Mindanao Racquet-tail
Prioniturus waterstradti
A medium-sized parrot of montane forest on Mindanao. The two central tail feathers have extended shafts ending in a racket shape. Green overall, darker on the back and paler below, with deeper green on the head and a blue face. Occurs together with Mindanao Lorikeet, but is larger and lacks the red face and bill. Voice includes various nasal squeals and a harsh, metallic “ra-geek!” often in flight.
Taxonomy
EBird describes the bird as "A medium-sized parrot.The two central tail feathers have extended shafts ending in a racket shape. Green overall, darker on the back and paler below, with deeper green on the head and a blue face. Occurs together with Mindanao lorikeet, but is larger and lacks the red face and bill. Voice includes various nasal squeals and a harsh, metallic 'ra-geek!' often in flight." Known to fly low over the forest.<p>Two subspecies are recognized<p>Prioniturus waterstradti waterstradti in the south-east; browner mantle<p>Prioniturus waterstradti malindangensis: in the west; paler blue on crown and face
- Scientific name
- Prioniturus waterstradti
- Authority
- Rothschild, 1904
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Prioniturus
Range and habitat
It inhabits tropic moist montane forest at 820–2,700 m, but it has been recorded as low as 450 m.<p>IUCN has assessed this bird as near threatened with its population being estimated as 3,300 mature individuals. Despite this fairly low number and limited range, it is said to be locally common in its range. Montane forest is less under threat than lowland forest. Forest loss may represent a threat but it is not thought to have a significant impact within this species's alititudinal range. Many parrots in the region are affected by trapping for trade, but its impacts upon this species are not known.<p>It is recommended to gather data on the impacts of international and national trade. Undergo surveys to have a better population estimate. Calculate rates of forest loss within its altitudinal and geographic range using satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques. Effectively protect habitat at key sites,
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Golden-bellied Flycatcher
Myiodynastes hemichrysus
Large and often noisy flycatcher of montane cloud forest. Yellow underparts, dark face, and white head stripes are suggestive of Great Kiskadee, but note that Golden-bellied Flycatcher has a white moustache stripe rather than a white throat; it is also found mainly at higher elevations. Birds from South America and eastern Panama have olive streaks on the breast; they were formerly considered subspecies of Golden-crowned Flycatcher. Perches at middle to upper levels of the forest, where it gives loud squeak- toy-like calls.
Dead Sea Sparrow
Passer moabiticus
Small and compact with a small bill and a shorter tail compared to larger sparrows. Males have a gray head, a vivid rusty shoulder patch, a black throat, and a yellow patch at the base of the white mustache. Females are relatively clean-looking compared to males. Song is a series of high-pitched, sharp “tzip-tzip-tzip…” notes. The flight call is higher-pitched than larger sparrows. Breeds in thick scrub and trees where it builds a large and prominent nest that has unique thermoregulating properties for hot climates. A partial and short-distance migrant; moves in tight, fast-moving flocks.
Western Banded Snake-Eagle
Circaetus cinerascens
Chunky, dark brown raptor with barred underparts. Shows a single broad white band through the tail which is conspicuous in flight. Found in and around forest and thick woodland, often near water. Sits for long periods and doesn’t often soar. Generally scarce and uncommon across its range. Call is a weird, strangled “whaaat-hooooa.” Very similar to Fasciated Snake-Eagle, but doesn’t overlap in range. Somewhat similar to African Cuckoo-Hawk, but larger and chunkier, with a dark brown rather than gray head.
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