Splendour tatzel

Splendour tatzel

The plumage of the splendid pied is a glossy black colour overall. However, there is a patch on the back where the plumage is coloured white. The splendour dove reaches a body length of 30 cm and a weight of 110 g. The tail is very long and tapers towards the back. There is a striking, black feathered crest on the head as well as a bare, featherless patch that surrounds the eyes and is bright yellow in colour. This gives the Prachtatzel its characteristic appearance.

Nutrition

The diet of these birds consists of insects, fruits and seeds.

Distribution

Rainforests, mountain forests and forest edges at an altitude of 1250 metres above sea level form the habitat of the splendid tamarin. It is found exclusively on the Mindanao archipelago in the south of the Philippines.

The breeding season of the splendid tatzel is between February and June. It usually uses a disused woodpecker cavity from the previous year as a nest, which it lines with twigs and leaves. Unfortunately, nothing more is known about the breeding behaviour of this rare bird.

The population of the splendour bunting is currently classified as near threatened. This is mainly due to the fact that it has a very small and fragmented range. The greatest threat is the destruction of its habitat by humans. The fact that its habitat in the mountains of the Philippines is difficult for humans to access and is well protected is to the splendour cat's advantage.