Arica Parinacota Region . It is part of the Central Volcanic Zone of the
Andes, one of four distinct volcanic chains in South America. The town of Putre lies at the southwestern foot of the volcano. Like other volcanoes of the Central Volcanic Zone, Taapaca formed from the
subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South America Plate . It lies on the western margin of the Altiplano high plateau, on top of older volcanic and sedimentary units. Taapaca reaches a height of 5,860 metres (19,230 ft) above sea level. It is usually covered by snow but does not feature glaciers . It consists primarily of many overlapping lava domes that formed during several stages of eruptions, starting during the Pliocene . The emplacement of lava domes was often followed by their collapse and block-and-ash avalanches. The most recent eruption is dated to 320
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 is unclear. Descriptions from life indicate the body and head were ash grey, and the white part of the tail had two dark central feathers. In contrast, descriptions based on stuffed specimens state that the body was brown and the head bluish but do not mention the dark central tail feathers. This may be due to the specimens having changed colour as a result of aging and exposure to light, as well as other forms of damage. Very little is known about the bird in life. The Mascarene parrot was first mentioned in 1674, and live specimens were later brought to Europe, where they lived in captivity . The species was scientifically described in 1771. Only two stuffed specimens exist today, in Paris and Vienn...
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