The Mindanao racket-tail is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Mindanao in the Philippines. It was previously conspecific with the Luzon Racket-tail. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate waterstradti in the south-east, and malindangensis in the west. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests. It is becoming rare due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.
Region
Mindanao, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in montane evergreen and mossy forests, often along ridges and in forest edges with abundant fruiting trees. It favors mature forest but may visit secondary growth near intact habitats. Birds are most often recorded in protected or relatively undisturbed uplands such as Mount Apo, Mount Kitanglad, and Mount Malindang. The species is closely tied to fruiting phenology and may range locally to track food. Ongoing logging and trapping have fragmented its distribution.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mindanao racket-tail is a montane parrot found only on Mindanao in the Philippines, where it inhabits cool, mossy forests. It sports distinctive elongated central tail feathers ending in spatulate “rackets,” a hallmark of its genus. Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate form in the southeast and malindangensis in the west. It is threatened by habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.
Temperament
social and active but wary
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between fruiting trees. It nests in natural cavities in large montane trees, with pairs defending the immediate nest area. Breeding is presumed to coincide with periods of peak fruit availability. Outside breeding, loose flocks may form around rich food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, ringing screeches and metallic chattering notes, often given in flight. Calls carry far across valleys and ridge lines. Soft contact calls are used within foraging parties.
