Philippine Eagle

A lot of experts say that the Philippine eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. There is one expert opinion that claims it is the largest eagle in the world while another one says it is the second largest eagle. Whatever the status of the Philippine eagle on this matter, one can safely say that it is a large, powerful and majestic eagle. It can grow to a height of approximately one meter and its wing span can reach the length of about two meters. It has a massive beak, bluish gray eyes and a head which is decorated by light brown crown feathers which complement the dark brown feathers of the upper-side of its body and the buffy white feathers of the body's lower part.

The Philippine eagle, which is known scientifically as Pithecophaga jefferyi, is a raptor and it preys on large animals like monkeys, civets, lemurs, squirrels and snakes. In captivity, the eagle is known to feed on guinea pig, rabbit, goat meat, beef, chicken and quail. In the wild, the Philippine eagle lives in mountains and forests with thick vegetation. It is an animal endemic to the Philippines and it can be found in the forest areas of Luzon, Leyte, Samar and Mindanao. It prefers to nests in very tall tress where it can lay its egg after undergoing the mating process. Both the male and female eagles take care of the chick (eaglet) for approximately 20 months.

Philippine Eagle Info

• Conservation Status - Critically endangered
• Scientific Name - Pithecophaga jefferyi
• Local Name - Agila ng Pilipinas, agila, manaoi, tipule, garuda, malamboogook
• Former English Name - Monkey-eating eagle
• Type of Animal - Raptor or bird of prey
• Height - Approximately one (1) meter
• Wingspan - Approximately two (2) meters
• Range - Endemic to the Philippine; Found only in Leyte, Samar and Mindanao and some parts of the Sierra Madre mountain range
• Habitat - Primary dipterocarp forest
• Population - Approximately between 100 and 500 individuals
• Threat - Destruction of the forest