Mindanao racket-tail facts for kids
The Mindanao racket-tail (Prioniturus waterstradti) is a cool type of parrot that lives only on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It's called a "racket-tail" because its two longest tail feathers have bare stems with a little "racket" shape at the end, like tiny tennis rackets! This bird used to be thought of as the same as the Luzon Racket-tail, but now scientists know they are different.
Quick facts for kids Mindanao racket-tail |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittaculidae |
| Genus: | Prioniturus |
| Species: |
P. waterstradti
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| Binomial name | |
| Prioniturus waterstradti Rothschild, 1904
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Meet the Mindanao Racket-tail Parrot
This parrot is a medium-sized bird, mostly green. It has a darker green back and a lighter green belly. Its head is a deeper green, and its face is blue. The most special part is its tail, which has two long feathers that look like little rackets at the very end.
You might see it flying low over the forest. It makes different sounds, like squeals through its nose or a loud, harsh "ra-geek!" sound, especially when it's flying.
Different Types of Mindanao Racket-tails
Scientists have found two slightly different types, or subspecies, of the Mindanao racket-tail:
- Prioniturus waterstradti waterstradti: This type lives in the southeast part of Mindanao. It has a browner back.
- Prioniturus waterstradti malindangensis: This type lives in the western part of Mindanao. It has a paler blue color on its head and face.
Where the Mindanao Racket-tail Lives
This special parrot lives in tropical forests on mountains. It prefers places that are 820 to 2,700 meters (about 2,700 to 8,900 feet) high. Sometimes, it has been seen as low as 450 meters (about 1,500 feet).
Protecting the Mindanao Racket-tail
The Mindanao racket-tail is considered "near threatened" by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This means it's not in immediate danger, but its numbers are getting low, and it could become threatened if we don't protect it.
Scientists believe there are about 3,300 adult Mindanao racket-tails left. Even though this number is small, the bird is still quite common in the specific areas where it lives.
Why This Parrot Needs Help
- Habitat Loss: Like many animals, the Mindanao racket-tail is losing its home. People are cutting down forests, which means less space and food for these parrots. However, the mountain forests where it lives are not being destroyed as quickly as forests in lower areas.
- Pet Trade: Some parrots are caught and sold as pets. We don't know exactly how much this affects the Mindanao racket-tail, but it's a concern for many parrots in the region.
How We Can Help
To make sure these beautiful parrots survive, experts recommend:
- Learn More: Find out how many parrots are being caught and traded, both inside the Philippines and to other countries.
- Count Them: Do more surveys to get a better idea of how many Mindanao racket-tails there are.
- Watch the Forests: Use satellite pictures to see how fast the forests where they live are disappearing.
- Protect Homes: Make sure their important forest homes are kept safe.
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
