Ask Lafeber

Greater Vasa Parrot

What about the Greater Vasa Parrot (reproduction) since they’re so unusual compared to other parrots?

Hi Heather,

Here is the response from Dr. Lamb: Vasa parrots are actually very interesting because they have a slightly different and unique anatomical appearance to their cloaca’s during breeding season. They have a bulge that appears and hangs from the cloaca in both male and female birds. Its function is still not totally understood though. It is thought to help in prolonged mating.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda