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GALLERIES > BIRDS > PSITTACIFORMES > PSITTACIDAE > BLUE-CROWNED RACQUET-TAIL [Prioniturus discurus]


Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Picture
 
 

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SPECIES INFO

The Blue-headed Racquet-tail, Prioniturus discurus is a parrot found on all the larger islands of the Philippines not starting with "P" (i.e., not Palawan or Panay). It is 27cm, basically green with a blue crown, bluish undertail, whitish beak, and dark underwings with green coverts. There are three or four subspecies:

  • P. d. discurus: Jolo, Mindanao, Olutanga, Basiilan, Guimara, Luzon.
  • P. d. whiteheadi: Negros, Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Masbate, Cebu. Less blue on crown.
  • P. d. nesophilus: Tablas, Sibuyan, Catanduanes. Still less blue. May be part of P.d. whiteheadi.
  • P. d. mindorensis: Mindoro. Green forehead, hindcrown shades to violet.

It inhabits humid forests, mangroves, and cultivated areas up to 1750m. Small flocks of 5-12, but more gather at fruit trees. Eats fruit, berries, nuts and seeds. Widespread but threatened by habitat destruction and trapping.

Note: Blue-headed Racquet-tail, P. platenae, was formerly considered conspecific.





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