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Philippine Eagle

Pithecophaga jefferyi

One of the world's largest and most powerful eagles, this majestic raptor soars as the national bird of the Philippines, embodying strength and pride across the archipelago.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Philippine Eagle is a massive raptor with a dark face, pale brown nape, and creamy-white underparts.

Its most striking feature is a shaggy crest of long, brown feathers that gives it a distinctive silhouette. The powerful hooked beak and large yellow talons are adapted for hunting.

Adults have similar plumage, with no significant differences between sexes. Juveniles are paler overall, with a white-edged brown crest and less defined facial markings. The bird's plumage remains consistent year-round.

Size

Length

86cm to 102cm

Wingspan

184cm to 220cm

Weight

4.04kg to 8kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown White

Secondary Colour

Grey

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Yellow

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Philippine Eagle can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Philippine Eagle is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Philippine Eagles are endemic to the Philippines, inhabiting the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. They require large tracts of primary tropical rainforest, preferring undisturbed areas with tall trees for nesting and hunting.

These eagles are non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories. Their range has significantly decreased due to deforestation, with the largest remaining populations found in the eastern Mindanao mountains.

Elevation Range

150 to 1,800 meters

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Philippine Eagle. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Philippines

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 95

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Philippine Eagle possesses exceptional agility, with the largest wingspan-to-body-length ratio of any eagle. This allows for remarkable manoeuvrability in dense forests, crucial for hunting in its habitat.

Strength 90

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As one of the world's largest and most powerful eagles, it demonstrates immense strength. Capable of carrying large prey like monkeys and flying lemurs, its robust build and powerful talons make it a formidable predator.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

While highly specialised for its rainforest habitat, the Philippine Eagle shows adaptability in its diverse diet and ability to hunt both in trees and on the ground. However, its specific habitat requirements limit its overall adaptability.

Aggressiveness 85

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Though not typically aggressive towards humans, the Philippine Eagle is a fierce predator. Its silent, stealthy hunting technique and ability to take large prey indicate a high level of predatory aggression.

Endurance 88

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Philippine Eagle's ability to soar for long periods, maintain large territories, and provide extended parental care (up to 17 months) suggests impressive endurance. Its potential lifespan of up to 60 years in captivity also indicates robust stamina.

Diet

Philippine Eagles primarily hunt mammals, including flying lemurs, monkeys, and palm civets. They also prey on other birds, snakes, and lizards.

These versatile hunters use their powerful talons to snatch prey from trees or the ground, often carrying large animals back to their nests.

Behaviour

Philippine Eagles are solitary and territorial, with pairs maintaining large home ranges. They soar gracefully on thermals, using their keen eyesight to spot prey.

These birds are known for their silent, stealthy hunting technique, often perching motionless for hours before swooping down on unsuspecting prey.

Vocalisation

Philippine Eagles have a range of vocalisations, including high-pitched whistles and a distinctive whinnying call that sounds like 'wee-ahh, wee-ahh.'

During the breeding season, pairs engage in duets, with males producing rapid, staccato notes and females responding with longer, drawn-out calls.

Nesting & Breeding

Philippine Eagles form monogamous pairs that mate for life. The breeding season typically begins in September and can last until February. Courtship involves aerial displays and vocalisations to strengthen pair bonds.

Nests are massive structures built high in emergent trees, often over 30 meters above the ground. The female lays a single white egg, which both parents incubate for about 60 days.

After hatching, the chick remains in the nest for 4-5 months before fledging. Parents continue to care for the young eagle for up to 17 months, one of the longest dependency periods among birds.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Critically Endangered [1]

The Philippine Eagle faces critical endangerment due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and community education to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Strict laws now protect this species, but enforcement remains challenging in remote areas.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

180 - 500 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for them in primary lowland and montane forests
  • Scan the canopy and emergent trees for perched individuals
  • Listen for their high-pitched whistles and whinnying calls
  • Be patient and quiet, as these eagles are easily disturbed by human presence
  • Use high-powered binoculars or a spotting scope for better viewing

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Monkey-eating Eagle, Great Philippine Eagle

Family:

Accipitridae

Average Lifespan

30 to 60 years

Max Lifespan

46 years [4]

Predators

Adult Philippine Eagles have no natural predators, but their eggs and chicks are vulnerable to other large birds of prey and arboreal mammals.

Did You Know?

  1. The Philippine Eagle has the largest wingspan-to-body-length ratio of any eagle, allowing for exceptional manoeuvrability in dense forests.
  2. It takes about seven years for a Philippine Eagle to reach sexual maturity.
  3. A pair of Philippine Eagles requires up to 13,000 hectares of forest to sustain a breeding territory.

References

  1. 4

    website, 2016: Ibanez, Jayson. "The King is dead, Long live the King!". SunStar Davao.

    View source
  2. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Pithecophaga jefferyi (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22696012A129595746.

    View source

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