The green racket-tail is an endemic parrot of the Philippines where it is found on Luzon and Marinduque. This species was once common, but is rapidly declining and is currently classified as endangered due to lowland deforestation and capture for cage-bird trade. The population is now estimated to be just 300 - 800 mature individuals and is continuing to decline with many local extinctions in its former range.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill forests on Luzon and Marinduque. It favors primary dipterocarp forest but will also use mature secondary growth, forest edges, and riverine corridors if large trees remain. Birds are most often seen in the upper canopy and along ridgelines where fruiting trees are abundant. It can make short movements between forest patches but is generally tied to intact lowland forest. Encroachment and logging have fragmented its range, leading to many local disappearances.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The green racket-tail is a small parrot endemic to the northern Philippines, most notably Luzon and Marinduque. Its name comes from the elongated outer tail feathers that end in spatula-like tips used in display. It has suffered steep declines due to lowland deforestation and capture for the cage-bird trade, and it is now very local and scarce. Protection of remaining lowland forest tracts and nest-site safeguarding are critical for its survival.
Juvenile Green Racket-tail
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small parties and occasionally in loose flocks around fruiting trees. Nests in natural cavities of tall, mature trees; pairs defend nesting sites but forage more loosely in groups. Breeding likely coincides with peak fruit availability in the dry season transition.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screeches and chatter given in flight and from canopy perches. Calls carry well over forest and can sound thin and piercing. Song per se is limited; most notes are contact and flock calls.
