The blue-winged racket-tail or Sulu racquet-tail is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Tawi-Tawi island in the Philippines and is one of the most endangered parrots in the world. It is threatened by habitat loss and the poaching for the cage-bird trade.
Region
Sulu Archipelago, southwestern Philippines
Typical Environment
Historically found in lowland evergreen forests of Tawi-Tawi, it now persists—if at all—in remnant primary and mature secondary forest patches. It favors canopy and edge habitats where fruiting trees are abundant. The species may occasionally use wooded farmlands or coconut groves adjacent to forest, but it is strongly tied to native forest. Overall distribution is extremely localized and fragmented due to logging and land conversion.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Sulu racquet-tail, this parrot is notable for its elongated central tail feathers that end in spatulate “rackets,” a hallmark of the genus Prioniturus. It is confined to Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines and is among the most threatened parrots globally. Habitat loss and trapping for the cage-bird trade have driven a severe decline, and sightings are now extremely scarce.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or very small groups, moving quietly through the upper canopy. Nests in tree cavities, with both members of a pair likely involved in nest defense and care. Breeding is presumed to follow local seasonal fruiting patterns.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Contact calls are sharp, high-pitched squeaks and screeches, often repeated in flight. While perched, it gives softer chattering notes and brief whistles.
Plumage
Predominantly green with distinct blue panels in the wings and elongated central tail feathers ending in spatulate tips. The tail ‘rackets’ are conspicuous in flight and at rest. Overall texture is sleek with a bright, clean green canopy-bird appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on wild fruits and figs, supplemented by seeds and tender plant matter. It forages methodically in the canopy, often visiting fruiting trees repeatedly. Occasional nectar or flower buds may be taken when available. It may opportunistically sample cultivated fruits near forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Upper canopy and forest edges where fruiting trees are concentrated. Also along riparian corridors and in mature secondary growth contiguous with primary forest.
