Sulu Racquet-tail
CR

Sulu Racquet-tail

Prioniturus verticalis

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-winged_racket-tail

Overview

The blue-winged racket-tail or Sulu racquet-tail is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Tawi-Tawi island in the Philippines and is one of the most endangered parrots in the world. It is threatened by habitat loss and the poaching for the cage-bird trade.

The Blue-crowned Racket-tail faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion across its limited range in the Philippines. Illegal capture for the pet trade has further reduced wild populations, as these colorful parrots are highly sought after. Mining activities and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining forest patches essential for the species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Blue-crowned Racket-tail inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, preferring areas with dense canopy cover and abundant fruiting trees. The species is also found in forest edges and partially cleared areas with remaining large trees, typically at elevations below 750 meters.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sulu Racquet-tail classified as Critically Endangered?
Sulu Racquet-tail is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Blue-crowned Racket-tail faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat conversion across its limited range in the Philippines. Illegal capture for the pet trade has further reduced wild populations, as these colorful parrots are highly sought after. Mining activities and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining forest patches essential for the species' survival.
Where does Sulu Racquet-tail live?
Sulu Racquet-tail occurs in Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sulu Racquet-tail?
The main threats to Sulu Racquet-tail are 2.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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