The Philippine Cockatoo, also known as the Red-vented Cockatoo for its eye-catching red undertail feathers, is a forest helper known for its distinctive loud call.
Locally known as "katala," the Philippine Cockatoo features a helmet crest and striking white plumage that stands out in flight and among the foliage of lowland rainforest and mangrove forests
They are a social species that roosts, feeds, and flies in noisy groups, but during the March-to-July mating season, pairs break away from the flock and often reuse the same nesting tree annually.
They feed primarily on seeds but also consume fruits, flowers, and nectar, demonstrating adaptability by foraging on crops like half-ripe rice and corn, which once led to its classification as a pest.
Where are they found
The Philippine Cockatoo thrives in diverse habitats, including lowland, riverine, and mangrove forests, which provide essential food sources like seeds, flowers, and nectar, as well as nesting sites in hollow trees. Lowland forests are vital for foraging and nesting; riverine forests offer abundant water and plant diversity; and mangrove forests serve as safe refuges for roosting and breeding, protected from predators and human disturbances.
They are also found at forest edges and open fields, highlighting their adaptability. These transitional zones offer additional foraging opportunities. As a partially nomadic species, they often travel up to 8 kilometers from the mainland to offshore islands, which, being less disturbed and rich in nesting trees, are crucial for their reproductive success.
How do they contribute to our ecosystem?
As seed dispersers, they contribute to forest regeneration by consuming fruits and seeds and spreading them across various habitats, promoting plant diversity and growth.
Like many other parrots, Philippine Cockatoos have extremely strong beaks that can break open wooden trunks and strip bark from trees. These birds are therefore considered “ecosystem engineers” that create nest sites or feeding opportunities for other organisms, such as smaller parrots, owls, or geckos.
