Philippine Cockatoo
Cacatua haematuropygia
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Philippine Cockatoo is a striking medium-sized parrot with predominantly white plumage.
Its most distinctive feature is the bright red undertail coverts, contrasting sharply with its white body. The beak is grey and hooked, typical of parrots.
Both males and females share the same appearance, with no significant sexual dimorphism. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly paler red undertail coverts.
Size
Length
30cm to 33cm
Wingspan
50cm to 60cm
Weight
275g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Red
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Endemic to the Philippines, this cockatoo inhabits lowland forests, mangroves, and nearby cultivated areas. It was once widespread across the archipelago but is now restricted to a few islands, including Palawan, Rasa, and parts of Mindanao.
The species shows a preference for coastal and riverine forests, often nesting in tall trees near water bodies. Their distribution has significantly contracted due to habitat loss and hunting pressures.
Elevation Range
Up to 150 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Philippine Cockatoo. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Philippine Cockatoo demonstrates high agility with its rapid wing beats, gliding ability, and playful behaviour such as hanging upside down from branches. Their excellent climbing skills, using their beaks as a third limb, further showcase their agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Philippine Cockatoos possess enough strength to crack open hard nuts and seeds with their robust beaks. Their ability to climb and manipulate objects indicates moderate strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These cockatoos show adaptability in their diet, feeding on various seeds, nuts, fruits, and even cultivated corn. However, their restricted habitat preferences and vulnerability to environmental changes limit their overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Philippine Cockatoos are generally not aggressive birds. Their social nature and tendency to form pairs or small flocks suggest a more cooperative temperament. However, they may display some aggression when defending nests or competing for food.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their ability to engage in agile flight and their relatively long lifespan (20-40 years) indicate good endurance. However, their decreasing population and vulnerability to environmental pressures suggest they may not have exceptional endurance compared to more resilient species.
Diet
Philippine Cockatoos are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers. They have a particular fondness for the fruits of the mangrove palm and cultivated corn. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open hard nuts and seeds with ease.
Behaviour
Philippine Cockatoos are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are known for their agile flight, with rapid wing beats interspersed with glides.
These cockatoos are quite vocal, especially when in groups, and can be quite playful, often seen hanging upside down from branches.
Vocalisation
The Philippine Cockatoo has a range of vocalisations, including loud, harsh screeches and softer, more melodious notes. Their calls often sound like 'krreek-krreek' or 'ka-ka-ka'. In flight, they frequently emit short, sharp calls. During courtship, pairs engage in softer, more varied vocalisations.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs between January and July. Philippine Cockatoos are monogamous and often mate for life. They nest in cavities of large trees, preferring those near water bodies.
Females usually lay 2-3 white eggs in a nest lined with wood chips. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 28 days.
Chicks fledge after approximately 10-12 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several more months. The long period of parental care contributes to their low reproductive rate.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Philippine Cockatoo is critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, community education, and captive breeding programs. The Katala Foundation leads significant work to protect this species in its native range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for white parrots with red undertail feathers in lowland forests and mangroves
- Listen for their distinctive loud, harsh calls, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe fruiting or flowering trees where they often feed
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds can be shy due to hunting pressure
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Red-vented Cockatoo, Kalangay
Family:
CacatuidaeAverage Lifespan
17 to 20 years
Max Lifespan
33 years [4]
Predators
Natural predators include large birds of prey such as eagles and hawk-eagles. Monitor lizards and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Philippine Cockatoos can mimic human speech and other sounds in captivity.
- They play a crucial role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.
- These cockatoos are excellent climbers, using their beaks as a third limb.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Cacatua haematuropygia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22684795A117578604.
View source - 2 3 4
report, 2013: P. Widmann in litt.
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