Red-vented Cockatoo

The Red-vented Cockatoo, Cacatua haematuropygia, sometimes called the Philippine Cockatoo, is a cockatoo roughly the size and shape of the Goffin's Cockatoo. It is easily distinguished by the red feathers around the vent.

It is endemic to the Philippines where small populations exist on the islands of Palawan, Tawitawi, Mindanao and Masbate.

The Red-vented Cockatoo makes a characteristic bleating call, as well as screeching or whistling noises that are common to most cockatoos. It is quieter than most cockatoos, and much quieter than the Umbrella Cockatoo or Moluccan Cockatoo.

Status

This bird is critically endangered. Populations have decreased dramatically due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. The high price fetched per bird (c.US$160 in Manila in 1997) means that chicks are taken from virtually every accessible nest. Loss of habitat may also have contributed to its decline. The current population is estimated at less than 4000 birds.

External Links

• BirdLife International Species Factsheet