PHILIPPINE COCKATOO

Cacatua haematuropygia
Local name: Katala, Kalangay,
Abukay, Agay
Status: IUCN- Critically
endangered. CITES- Appendix I.
Until ca. 1980 the Philippine
Cockatoo was a common species
found throughout the Philippine
Archipelago. Since then, 60-90%
decline in population has
occurred as a result of destructive
human activities.
Description: The endemic
Philippine or Red-vented
cockatoo is a small psittacine with
a helmet crest and red undertail
coverts. The white plumage is
extremely conspicuous in flight
and in the foliage of the lowland
dipterocarp and mangrove forest
habitats. It is 12.2 inches long and
has an 8.6 inches wingspan. The
Katala as it is locally called is a
social species which roosts,
feeds, and flies in noisy groups
but during the

mating season, from March to July, pairs live apart from the flock, often reusing the same nesting tree
year after year. It is a favorite caged-bird because of its ability to mimic the human voice.
Distribution: In 1994, the estimated population is 1,000 to 4,000 individuals, 70-75% of which is believed
to occur in Palawan. Recent estimates by Widmann (2001) suggest 1000 individuals left in the wild! Rasa
probably holds the highest population density with 200 recorded individuals.
Feeding: The Philippine cockatoo feeds on seeds, and, to an extent, on fruits, flowers, buds and nectar.
The species is very adaptable and even forages on crops, particularly rice in a half-ripe stage and corn.
Therefore the cockatoo was formerly regarded as a pest.
Breeding: Pair bonds start to get closer in October. Birds are traveling pair wise and grooming of partners
can be observed more frequently at the roosting site. Nest holes are selected starting from end of
December. Laying of eggs is recorded from the second February decade to the first April decade, but

usually peaking between end of February and beginning of March. Full clutches contain two or three
eggs. On Rasa, fifty six nesting trees have been reported comprising of five tree species.
Habitat: Lowland, riverine, and mangrove forests but may be found in forest edge and open fields as well
as high in the mountains. Can be seen singly or in flocks of up to 30 or more.
Voice: Loud raucous calls are varied ranging from eeeek, owwwwk, and rouuuk, and are almost
deafening when several birds are calling together, especially in flight.
Main threats
Poaching, selling and buying of the Philippine cockatoo All known unprotected cockatoo nests are
poached. Because of its unique characteristics, the demand for the Philippine cockatoo is high. Trade to
meet the domestic demand is substantial and is very likely enough to endanger the remnant cockatoo
populations.
Habitat destruction The cutting of mangroves and forest trees result to the loss of habitats particularly
nesting and food-providing trees for the Philippine cockatoo. Lowland forests are converted for
agriculture, mining or settling. Complete ecosystems, like freshwater swamp forests are on the brink of
extinction in the Philippines.
The Philippine cockatoo and other Philippine wildlife are protected by the Wildlife Conservation and
Protection Act of the Philippines or Republic Act 9147. Violations will lead to severe penalties and several
years of imprisonment!

KATALA FOUNDATION
Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program (PCCP)
Species conservation program aimed to conserve the Philippine cockatoo from extinction through, e.g.
nest protection, identification, protection and management of key conservation sites, habitat restoration,
conservation education, community involvement, rescue of individual birds, translocation, conservation
breeding for later re-introduction, etc. Project sites include Narra, Dumaran and Rizal in Palawan Island
and Polillo in Polillo Island. The newest site, Pandanan in Balabac, Palawan is co-sponsored by the LPF
and its funding partners and the Wildlife Without Borders-Criticially Endangered Animals Conservation
Fund of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Recent report: Project Technical Progress Report September - December 2013
Contact person: Indira Dayang Lacerna-Widmann