Blue-headed racket-tail 27 cm. Pale greyish-yellow bill; entire head and nape light blue extending onto the breast, becoming greener on lower breast and belly and yellow on vent;
upperparts dull green; spatules dark green. Female has blue confined to crown and sides of the head. Immature similar, with no spatules.
Systematics History
A recent phylogenetic study indicates that this species is part of a clade that contains also P. waterstradti, P. montanus, and P. mindorensis. Previously treated as a race of P. discurus, but treatment as species recently reinforced. Monotypic.
Subspecies
Monotypic.
Distribution
Blue-headed racket-tail lives in Palawan and associated islands, from Calauit and Busuanga to Balabac (SW Philippines).
Habitat
Lowland forest and edges, and adjacent cultivations, apparently in the lowlands to around 300 m.
Diet and Foraging
No observations; Blue-headed racket-tail eat nuts in stomachs of specimens.
Sounds and Vocal Behavior
When perched, utters several short squeaky or nasal screeches, the latter sometimes also more drawn-out.
Breeding
Blue-headed racket-tail labeled juvenile have been collected in Jan (two) and Aug, and one labelled immature in May.
