The Buru racket-tail, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to the forest on the island of Buru, one of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Buru’s remaining primary and mature secondary forests, from lowland rainforest to lower montane zones. It favors tall canopy and forest edges where fruiting trees are abundant, and will occasionally visit groves near villages. The species forages high in the canopy, often following seasonal fruit availability. It can persist in selectively logged forest if large trees and cavity sites remain.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Buru racket-tail is a parrot notable for its elongated central tail feathers that end in spatulate ‘rackets,’ a feature used in display and species recognition. It is confined to the forests of Buru Island in Indonesia and typically moves through the canopy in small, noisy groups. Like many island parrots, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and trapping pressure, though it remains locally common where suitable forest persists.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and direct with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, vocal parties moving through the canopy. Nests in natural tree cavities, where the pair defends a small area around the nest. Courtship includes mutual preening and display flights that show off the tail rackets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing screeches and chatter, often given in flight. At rest, it produces softer contact notes and short trills between flock members.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with cleaner, brighter tones on the upperparts and paler underparts; feathers are smooth and glossy. Central tail feathers are elongated with narrow bare shafts ending in spatulate tips (rackets).
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, including figs, drupes, and berries, along with seeds and flower buds. It occasionally takes nectar from blossoms and may supplement its diet with tender leaf matter. Foraging follows fruiting cycles, with birds traveling between favored trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the forest canopy and along edges where fruiting trees are exposed. Will use secondary forest and sometimes cultivated fruit trees near forest margins.
