About this species
The Mascarene parrot or mascarin (Mascarinus mascarinus) is an extinct species of parrot that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. The taxonomic relationships of this species have been subject to debate; it has historically been grouped with either the Psittaculini parrots or the vasa parrots, with the latest genetic study favouring the former group. The Mascarene parrot was 35 cm (14 in) in length with a large red bill and long, rounded tail feathers. Its legs were red, and it had naked red skin around the eyes and nostrils. It had a black facial mask and partially white tail feathers, but the colouration of the body, wings and head in the living bird is unclear.
Where it occurs
Formerly Réunion; extinct, last reported 1834.
Why names can differ
Wikipedia currently lists this bird as Mascarinus mascarin; the name shown here follows AviList v2025b.
Conservation record
AviList v2025b records this species as extinct, with the checklist noting Extinct. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.
