Dracula parrot: The rare New Guinea bird with a vulture-like face and striking blood-red plumage

With its scarlet belly and smoky-grey body, the Dracula parrot looks less like a conventional parrot and more like a bird designed for a gothic tale. Also known as Pesquet’s parrot or the vulturine parrot, this striking species lives in the forests of New Guinea, where its unusual appearance has made it one of the world’s most recognisable parrots. Its hooked beak, featherless face and red plumage can make the bird appear intimidating, but there is nothing vampiric about its diet. The Dracula parrot is a specialised fruit-eater and feeds mainly on figs. Its unusual facial appearance may even be linked to this sticky diet. However, the species also faces threats linked to human activity. Habitat loss has added further pressure. Protecting its natural habitat is important for the species' long-term survival.