Red-vented cockatoo

The red-vented cockatoo, also known as the Philippine cockatoo and locally katala, abukay, agay, or kalangay, is a species of cockatoo. It is endemic to the Philippines, formerly found throughout the entire country, but due to the illegal wildlife trade, it is now locally extinct in most of its range with the only sizeable population remaining in Palawan and Sulu Archipelago. Remnant populations occur in the Polillo Islands, Bohol, and Samar. It is roughly the size and shape of the Tanimbar corella, but is easily distinguished by the red feathers around the vent. It is threatened by habitat loss and the cage-bird trade.

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Distribution

Region

Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs in the Philippine lowlands, favoring coastal forests, mangroves, and second-growth woodland. It forages in agricultural mosaics, including coconut groves and rice fields, and often visits fruiting trees in villages. Nesting typically occurs in cavities of large trees, sometimes in mangrove stands or along riverine forests. Communal roosts are frequently on small offshore islets that offer safety from predators and human disturbance.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size30–31 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.32 kg

Female Weight0.3 kg

Life Expectancy25 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Philippine cockatoo or katala, this species is famed for the distinctive red patch of feathers around its vent. It has suffered dramatic declines from trapping for the cage-bird trade and habitat loss, with strongholds now mainly in Palawan and parts of the Sulu Archipelago. Intensive community-led conservation, especially on Rasa Island, has led to localized recoveries.

Gallery

Two in captivity from the illegal wildlife trade

Two Philippine cockatoo eggs- MHNT

Behaviour

Temperament

social and noisy

Flight Pattern

strong flier with steady, direct wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, gathering into larger flocks at favored roosts. Nests in tree cavities, with pairs defending the nest area but foraging more loosely with neighbors. Breeding typically coincides with the dry season when food is abundant.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and rasping calls that carry over long distances. Pairs use contact calls in flight and deliver excited, chattering bouts at roosts and feeding sites.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Mostly white with a subtle yellow wash on the underwings and undertail; the undertail coverts around the vent are bright red. Short, expressive white crest; plumage is smooth and compact.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, flowers, and buds from native trees and mangroves. Frequently takes cultivated foods such as rice, corn, and tropical fruits when available. Uses its strong bill to crack hard seeds and husk nuts, and will glean buds and young shoots from canopy foliage.

Preferred Environment

Forages in mangrove edges, coastal forest canopy, and along forest–farmland interfaces. Often visits village fruit trees and agricultural fields near safe roosting sites.

Population

Total Known PopulationEstimated 430–750 mature individuals (fewer than 1,500 total)

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