It is hard to imagine a more impressive bird. A combination of massive size, shaggy mane-like crest and piercing gaze makes the Philippine eagle an aweinspiring sight – for those lucky enough to see one.

The Philippine eagle (pithecophaga jefferyi), also known as the great Philippine eagle, is by far the largest raptor in the Philippines and one of the largest in the world. It is found only on the islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Samar and Luzon. It is known to hunt prey as large as the long-tailed macaque, the only native monkey in the Philippines, giving rise to its former common name, the “monkey-eating eagle”. Its scientific name pithecophaga actually means “monkey-eater”.

While monkeys are part of the eagle’s diet, they actually prey on a more lesser-known mammal, the Philippine colugo. Commonly called the flying lemur, the colugo is not related to real lemurs at all. Also endemic to the Philippines, especially Mindanao, the colugo is nocturnal and becomes easy prey for the eagle when it rests during the day. Philippine eagles also hunt civets, other birds and reptiles. Monogamy is an integral part of the Philippine eagle’s social structure. The pair share duties and work together in building the nest, incubating the eggs and raising their single hatchling. There is a romanticised myth that following the death of its mate, the surviving partner chooses to be alone for the remainder of its life, but that isn’t true. Like most other species, it takes on a new mate – except finding new partners for this critically endangered species is becoming increasingly difficult.

The Philippine eagle has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) since 1994. Their numbers in the wild continue to plummet. There are an estimated 350 to 670 Philippine eagles left, with Mindanao supporting the largest population. Extremely low mating rates are a very serious concern.

Forest felling for agriculture and urbanisation has fragmented much of the Philippine eagle’s former dipterocarp forest habitat. In fact, the Philippines has already lost the majority of its forests – it has one of the highest deforestation rates in Southeast Asia. The eagle is now confined to the tall forests in steep terrain, at altitudes of 1,800 metres or higher, occasionally visiting logged forests lower down. Hunting for consumption, zoos and private menageries have also hastened the decline of this magnificent bird, despite the full protection of the law.

Given its strength, power and regal disposition, it is not surprising that the Philippines has chosen this magnificent raptor as its national bird. But all its prowess is no match for the man-made threats pushing it ever closer to extinction. If the Philippine eagle is going to survive into the future, its natural habitats need urgent protection. Every precaution must be taken to ensure this bird remains an extant part of the Philippines’ diversity and culture.

More About the Philippine Eagle
Size: One of the world’s largest eagles, with a wingspan of up to 240 cm. Adult males weigh about five kilogrammes; adult females seven kilogrammes.

Biology: Juveniles have been known to hone their talons and beaks on tree trunks, hang upside down to train balance and attack inanimate objects for practice. Chicks seem to know these without any coaching from parents. Eagles in captivity live between 30-40 years. Wild eagles’ lifespan is unknown.

Lifestyle: It is the dominant hunter in its native forests. Each breeding pair requires 40-80 kilometres of habitat to successfully raise their chick – this means they are especially vulnerable to deforestation. Both parents take turns to incubate the egg, feed their chick and hunt.

Breeding: Breeding cycle takes two years. Females mature at five-years-old and males, seven-years-old. Pairs are monogamous, but an eagle will seek a new mate if its partner is lost. Breeding begins between September and February. Females lay only one egg, sometimes two. Eggs are incubated for 58-68 days.

Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines, specifically on Mindanao, Leyte, Samar and Luzon.

Conservation Status: Critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. According to BirdLife International (2007), there may only be 226 left in the wild, and numbers are dropping.

Related species: Has a unique evolutionary history. Its genetic sequence differs from all other large eagles. Its closest relative is believed to be the snake eagle.

Helping the Philippine eagle
• Support the Philippine Eagle Foundation 
The Philippine Eagle Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving the Philippine eagle and its habitat. It undertakes research, rehabilitation and captive breeding programmes. Dedicated to the eagle’s future survival and sustainable use of forest resources, it is the leading organisation for raptor conservation in the Philippines. 

• Become a BirdLife Species Champion
BirdLife International Partnership conserves birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. It has more than 4,000 conservation staff and manages more than 1,000,000 hectares of habitats. Individuals and companies can donate and become a Bird Life Species Champion. Funds will support conservation projects for a species of the donor’s choosing.