Prioniturus montanus
The Montane Racket-tail (Prioniturus montanus) is a striking, medium-sized parrot endemic to the Philippine Islands, renowned for its distinctive 'racket' tipped central tail feathers. Measuring approximately 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) in length, including the tail, and weighing around 120-150 grams, this species is predominantly emerald green, with a vivid azure blue wash on the head, intensifying on the crown and lores. A prominent feature is its robust, reddish-orange bill and pale periophtha...
Exclusively inhabits montane and cloud forests, favoring humid evergreen broadleaf forests at elevations typically between 800 and 2,600 meters above sea level.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, feeding on various fruits, berries, seeds, and nuts found in the forest canopy. They also consume flowers and nectar.
Montane Racket-tails are diurnal birds, active from dawn to dusk, often seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks of up to 20 individuals outside the breeding season. They exhibit typical arboreal behavior, foraging primarily in the canopy by clambering through bran...
The Montane Racket-tail is entirely endemic to the Philippines, inhabiting the mountainous regions of several major islands. Its primary distribution includes the highland areas of Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, and Panay. On Luzon, it is found in the Cordillera Central, Sierra Madre, and other mountai...
Least Concern
- The Montane Racket-tail's distinctive 'rackets' on its tail feathers are not fully formed until the bird's first complete molt, appearing as plain elongated feathers in juveniles. - These unique tail 'rackets' are formed by the feather shaft being bare of barbs for a significant portion, only d...