Red Vented Cockatoo

The Red-vented Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), also known locally as the Katala, is a small, striking white parrot endemic to the Philippines. It is one of the world's most endangered birds, currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

Physical Characteristics

• Plumage: Predominantly snowy-white, accented by pale yellow feathers under the wings and tail.

• Distinctive Marking: Its namesake feature is a vibrant red-orange patch on the undertail coverts, which are often tipped with white.

• Head Features: It possesses a short, white, helmet-like crest that can be raised when the bird is excited or alarmed.

• Size & Weight: A compact species, measuring roughly 12 inches (30–31 cm) in length with a wingspan of approximately 8.6 inches (22 cm). They typically weigh about 300–340 grams.

• Eyes & Bill: The bill is a pale grayish-white or ivory color. Eye color differs between sexes: males have dark brown irises, while females have red-tinted irises.

Red-vented Cockatoo — Wild Population Facts (2026)

The Red-vented Cockatoo, also known as the Philippine Cockatoo, is a critically endangered cockatoo species endemic to the Philippines. Once widespread across many islands, its numbers have plummeted due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the bird trade.

Current Wild Population

According to the IUCN Red List, the Red-vented Cockatoo is classified as Critically Endangered.

At local strongholds such as Rasa Island and nearby Palawan sites, conservation work has helped slow declines and even support small increases in specific areas, but the species is still at grave risk across its range.

Threats in the Wild

This species faces severe challenges, including:

Habitat destruction from deforestation, agriculture, and urban development

Illegal trapping and trade pressure

Fragmentation of remaining forest and mangrove habitat

Climate events affecting nesting success and survival

All of these factors contribute to a continued downward trend in wild numbers.

Our Role — Conservation Breeding at Feather Headz

At Feather Headz Aviary, we are actively participating in ethical conservation breeding of the Red-vented Cockatoo, focusing on:

Maintaining healthy, genetically diverse captive populations