Mascarene Parrot

The Mascarene Parrot is an extinct species of parrot known from bones, specimens and descriptions to have occurred in the Mascarene island of Réunion, and possibly Mauritius. The bird was first described by Dubois in 1674. During the latter half of the 18th century, a number of birds were exported alive to France and kept in captivity; the species was described after these examples came to the attention of the taxonomists of that time, like Brisson, Linnaeus and Buffon. Three stuffed specimens were preserved at that time. Today, two remain, accompanied by a number of bones found later. One, the sole remaining of the three extant around 1800, is in the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris, the other, dated 1806 and of unknown provenance, in the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.

The Mascarene Parrot is classified as Extinct (EX), there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.

The Mascarene Parrot (Mascarinus mascarinus) is an extinct species of parrot known from bones, specimens and descriptions to have occurred in the Mascarene island of Réunion, and possibly Mauritius. The bird was first described by Dubois in 1674. During the latter half of the 18th century, a number of birds were exported alive to France and kept in captivity; the species was described after these examples came to the attention of the taxonomists of that time, like Brisson, Linnaeus and Buffon. More

Did You Know?The Mascarene Parrot was last seen in captivity in 1834 in the King of Bavaria's private menagerie. Species Profile Genus: Mascarinus Species: mascarinus Size: Adult Weight: About 35cm (13.6 in). Probably 400-500g (14-17. More

The Mascarene Parrot was a medium-sized bird, about as large as an Eclectus Parrot and of a similar shape, although less heavyset and with a longer tail. It was dark greyish brown on the upperside, lighter on the underside. The bases of the tail feathers were white, and the head was colored a medium lavender grey. A ring of velvet-like short black feathers surrounded the bill, which was brilliant red. The feet were reddish brown. More

descriptions are highly suggestive of the Mascarene Parrot, which is on the other hand not known from bones on Mauritius. Furthermore, there are reports of a small grey parrot from Réunion, which cannot be attributed to any known taxon. More

Mascarene Parrot - Coutesy of the Hanbook of the Birds of the WorldMascarene Parrot Courtesy of the Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 7, Jacamars to Woodpeckers, edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott, Jordi Sargatal, Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. ... EXTINCT ... Last captive specimen died in 1834, Hunted to extinction.... More