The montane racket-tail, also known as the Luzon racket-tail, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It was previously considered conspecific with the Mindanao racket-tail. This bird is endemic to the mountainous regions of northern Luzon, Philippines. It faces threats from habitat loss and the cage bird trade.
Region
Northern Philippines
Typical Environment
Found in montane broadleaf and mossy forests, typically in primary forest and well-developed secondary growth. It frequents forest edges, ridgelines, and fruiting or flowering trees, occasionally descending into adjacent clearings. The species favors dense canopy cover where it forages quietly but flies noisily between stands. It is most often recorded in small, scattered groups within intact highland forest blocks.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Luzon racket-tail, this parrot is notable for its two elongated central tail feathers with bare shafts ending in spatulate tips (“rackets”). It inhabits high-elevation forests of northern Luzon and was formerly treated as conspecific with the Mindanao racket-tail. It is affected by habitat loss and trapping for the cage-bird trade, making intact montane forest crucial for its survival.
Temperament
wary, active, and often shy around humans
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats; noisy when moving between trees
Social Behavior
Usually occurs in pairs or small, loose groups, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests in tree cavities, with pairs defending the immediate area around the nest. Breeding is thought to coincide with periods of peak fruiting in montane forests.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched squeals and ringing notes given in flight and when perched. Calls can be repetitive and carry over valleys, often betraying flocks moving between fruiting trees.
Plumage
Predominantly bright green with slightly darker wings and a paler yellowish-green belly; some birds show a faint bluish wash on the face or nape. Tail shows two elongated central feathers with bare shafts ending in spatulate tips. Underwings are darker green, and the rump can appear slightly brighter.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits, figs, seeds, and berries, and also takes flowers and nectar when available. It selects seasonally abundant resources, moving locally to track fruiting trees. Occasional consumption of tender shoots or invertebrate matter may occur while foraging among foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of montane forest and along forest edges, often at fruiting or flowering trees. It may visit secondary growth and clearings adjacent to intact forest when food is abundant.
