Philippine Cockatoo

Philippine Cockatoo

Cacatua haematuropygia

Critically Endangered

Endemic to the tropical forests of the Philippines, the Philippine Cockatoo, or 'Kalangay', is a strikingly beautiful bird with its pristine white feathers and vibrant red undertail. Despite its enchanting beauty, this bird is critically endangered, its numbers dwindling due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. Known for their loud, raucous calls and strong social bonds, these birds are a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in the Philippines' lush landscapes.

Photos

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

White

Primary Color (juvenile)

White

Secondary Colors

Red, Yellow

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

Red, Yellow

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

White

Wing Color (juvenile)

White

Beak Type

Strong, Curved

Beak Color

Grey

Beak Color (juvenile)

Grey

Leg Color

Grey

Leg Color (juvenile)

Grey

Distinctive Markings

Red undertail and vent area, yellowish ear coverts

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Less pronounced red in undertail

Tail Description

White with broad red terminal band

Tail Description (juvenile)

White with narrow red terminal band

Size Metrics

30cm to 32cm

Length

22cm

Wingspan

300g to 350g

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Philippine Cockatoo

Philippine Cockatoo perching on a branch

Philippine Cockatoo

Portrait of a Philippine Cockatoo

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Loud, raucous calls

Call Description

Series of loud, high-pitched screeches and squawks

Alarm Calls

Loud, piercing squawk

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Most active in mornings and late afternoons, foraging and socializing

Social Habits

Form pairs or small groups, can be seen in larger flocks outside of breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends nesting sites aggressively

Migratory Patterns

Limited to local movements

Interaction with Other Species

Generally peaceful but can be aggressive when defending nest

Diet

Primary Diet

Seeds, Fruits, Nuts

Feeding Habits

Forages in trees and sometimes on ground

Feeding Times

Early morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Uses beak to manipulate and break open food items

Diet Variations

Diet varies with seasonal availability

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Requires a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables

Nesting

Nesting Location

Tree cavities

Nest Construction

Simple nest in hollow tree or palm stump

Breeding Season

April to July

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

One

Egg Appearance

White, round

Egg Size

Approximately 2.6cm x 3.7cm

Clutch Characteristics

1-3 eggs, typically two

Incubation Period

Around 28 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 9-10 weeks

Parental Care

Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Endemic to the Philippines

Habitat Description

Lowland forests, mangroves, plantations

Elevation Range

Up to 150m

Migration Patterns

Limited to local movements

Biome

Tropical rainforest

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.

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Resident or Present

Philippines

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

17

40

Average Lifespan

17.3 year(s)

Maturity Age

3-4 year(s)

Breeding Age

4-5 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Monogamous, often returning to same nesting site each year

Age-Related Changes

Older birds may show wear on beak and feathers

Conservation Status

Current Status

Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat loss, illegal pet trade, hunting

Conservation Efforts

Conservation programs in place, including habitat protection and captive breeding

Population Trend

Population has decreased significantly due to habitat loss and capture for pet trade

Classification

Other names:

Red-vented Cockatoo, Kalangay

Family:

Cacatuidae

Population size:

430-750

Population trend:

Decreasing

Conservation status:

Critically Endangered

IUCN Red List

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