 The affinities of the Mascarene parrot are unclear , and two hypotheses have competed since the mid @-@ 19th century . Some authors grouped it with the Coracopsinae ( of African origin ) due to its dark plumage , and others with the Psittaculinae parrots ( of Asian origin ) based on the large red beak , a feature which is diagnostic for that group . Its plumage pattern was mostly atypical for a psittaculine , though other members have black facial patterns . 
