Philippine Eagle Bird Facts (Pithecophaga jefferyi)

Philippine Eagle

Pithecophaga jefferyi

Critically Endangered

Standing as a proud symbol of the Philippines, the Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is a majestic bird renowned for its impressive size and powerful build. This solitary creature, endemic to the Philippines, is a sight to behold with its brown and white plumage, piercing eyes, and a crown of long feathers. Despite its grandeur, it faces the harsh reality of being critically endangered, with its survival challenged by habitat loss and hunting.

Appearance and Identification

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Color

Brown

Primary Color (juvenile)

Brown

Secondary Colors

White, Black

Secondary Colors (female)

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Brown

Wing Color (juvenile)

Brown

Beak Type

Hooked

Beak Color

Grey

Beak Color (juvenile)

Grey

Leg Color

Yellow

Leg Color (juvenile)

Yellow

Distinctive Markings

Large, powerful build, long crown feathers

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Less pronounced than adults

Tail Description

Long, wide and dark colored

Tail Description (juvenile)

Shorter with less color contrast

Size Metrics

86cm to 102cm

Length

184cm to 202cm

Wingspan

4.7kg to 8kg

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Philippine Eagle perched on top of a wooden post

Philippine Eagle perching in a tree

Portrait of a Philippine Eagle

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Loud, high-pitched whistles

Call Description

Series of whistles, each ending with a higher note

Alarm Calls

Loud, high-pitched whistle

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, hunting in the morning and late afternoon

Social Habits

Solitary, forming pairs only during mating season

Territorial Behavior

Defends large territories, especially during mating season

Migratory Patterns

Non-migratory

Interaction with Other Species

Minimal interaction due to solitary nature

Diet

Primary Diet

Primates, Bats, Birds

Feeding Habits

Hunts from a perch, swooping down on prey

Feeding Times

Morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Swooping from a perch

Diet Variations

Based on availability of prey

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

Requires large quantities of food due to size

Nesting

Nesting Location

Large trees in undisturbed forest

Nest Construction

Large platform of sticks

Breeding Season

Late September to early February

Number of clutches (per breeding season)

Once every two years

Egg Appearance

White with few or no markings

Egg Size

Approximately 7cm x 5.5cm

Clutch Characteristics

Usually one egg

Incubation Period

Around 58-68 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 5-6 months

Parental Care

Both parents incubate eggs and feed chick

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Endemic to the Philippines

Habitat Description

Undisturbed dipterocarp and mid-montane forests

Elevation Range

Sea level to 1800 meters

Migration Patterns

Non-migratory

Biome

Tropical rainforest

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.