Prioniturus verticalis
The Blue-winged Racket-tail (*Prioniturus verticalis*) is a captivating medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length, primarily adorned in a vivid emerald green plumage. Its most striking feature, lending to its common name, is the brilliant blue on its wing coverts and primary feathers, a crucial field mark for identification. Males further boast a distinct deep blue crown patch, often framed by a lighter blue, and prominent red undertail coverts, while females po...
This arboreal parrot primarily inhabits primary and secondary lowland dipterocarp forests, including forest edges and cultivated areas like fruit orchards, typically occurring at elevations up to 1000 meters.
The diet of the Blue-winged Racket-tail primarily consists of various fruits, particularly figs and wild berries, along with nuts, seeds, and blossoms, which it gleans from the forest canopy.
Blue-winged Racket-tails are diurnal and primarily arboreal, observed in pairs or small family groups of three to six individuals as they navigate the forest canopy. They roost communally within natural tree cavities, often returning to the same sites, though specific details on these habits are ...
The Blue-winged Racket-tail is entirely endemic to the Philippines, with its remaining population confined to the Palawan Faunal Region. Its primary stronghold is on the island of Palawan itself, but it is also found on several smaller adjacent islands including Balabac, Busuanga, Culion, Dumaran...
Critically Endangered
- The Blue-winged Racket-tail's name comes from its two elongated central tail feathers whose barbs fall off along the shaft, leaving only a "racket" at the tip. - This stunning parrot is endemic only to the Palawan Faunal Region in the Philippines, found on just a handful of islands. - It is one...