The golden-mantled racket-tail is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest up to an altitude of about 3,000 metres (9,800 ft).
Region
Sulawesi and nearby islands, Wallacea
Typical Environment
This species inhabits primary and mature secondary forests, forest edges, and ridge-top and montane forest interiors. It also visits fruiting trees in disturbed habitats and clearings, provided tall canopy trees are present. Birds move through the mid- to upper canopy and are frequently encountered around fruiting figs. It can persist in mosaic landscapes with patches of forest and agroforestry, but is most common in intact habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The golden-mantled racket-tail is a striking parrot named for the golden-yellow mantle on its upper back and its elongated central tail feathers that end in racket-like tips. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occupies a wide elevational range, including both lowland and montane forests. Flocks are often noisy and fast-flying, and the birds are important dispersers of forest fruits, especially figs.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, noisy flocks; larger aggregations may form at fruiting trees. They nest in tree cavities, often in tall, mature forest trees. Pair bonds are strong, and birds engage in mutual preening and close contact at roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, ringing screeches and metallic chatters given in flight and from canopy perches. Contact calls carry far over the forest and often reveal flocks before they are seen.
