Red-Vented or Philippine Cockatoo
Cacatua haematuropygia
WILD STATUS
Critically endangered. Until about 1980 the Philippine Cockatoo was a common species found throughout the Philippine Archipelago. Since then, 60-90% decline in population has occurred as a result of destructive human activities.
DISTRIBUTION
Now concentrated mainly on the island of Palawan, with some found on the islands of Tawitawi, Mindanao and Masbate in the Philippines.
SIZE
Length: about 30cm (11-12 in)
Weight: about 300g (10.5 oz)
HABITAT
The Red-vented Cockatoo is endemic to the Philippines where small populations exist on the islands of Palawan, Tawitawi, Mindanao and Masbate. It is restricted to lowland primary forest and secondary forest in or adjacent to waterways with mangroves. They are partially nomadic due to seasonally fluctuating food sources. Will even frequent nearby corn and rice fields.
REPRODUCTION
Red-vented Cockatoos will pair during mating season. Often multiple pairs will use the same tree for breeding. Breeding season is typically March to June. Pairs will fly to offshore islands to roost and perhaps breed.
DIET
The Red-Vented Cockatoo feeds on seed and fruits. Food sources fluctuate seasonally.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- The common name is the Philippine Cockatoo.
- Populations have decreased dramatically due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade since the 1950s. The high price fetched per bird means that chicks are taken from virtually every accessible nest.
- Loss of habitat may also have contributed to its decline. The current population is estimated at less than 4,000 birds.
- The Red-Vented Cockatoo makes a characteristic bleating call, as well as screeching or whistling.
- Typically they live in groups during non-mating seasons.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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