The Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey eating Eagle, is an eagle native to the forests in the Philippines. It has brown and white feathers and a shaggy crest. It can grow up to 3 to 4 ft. in length. It is considered a critically endangered species mainly due to massive loss of habitat due to reforestation of its range. The Philippine Eagle can be found on four major islands, Eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao with the largest residing in Mindanao. They are dominant hunters in the Philippine forests. Their flight is fast and agile, resembling smaller hawks more than similar large birds of prey. The Philippine Eagle was known initially as the Monkey eating eagle because it was believed to feed on monkeys which has been proven inaccurate. Most animals found in the Philippines may be taken as their prey, such as rats, bats, squirrels, reptiles and even other birds.

Like most eagles, the Philippine Eagle is monogamous. Once paired, a couple remains together for the rest of their lives. If one dies, the remaining eagle often searches for a new mate to replace the one lost Its numbers have slowly dwindled over the decades to the current population of 180 to 500 eagles. A series of floods and mud slides, caused by deforestation, further devastated the remaining population. The Philippine Eagle may soon no longer be found in the wild, unless direct intervention is taken. The Philippine Eagle was officially declared the national bird of the Philippines on July 4 1995 by President Fidel V. Ramos under Proclamation No. 615. This eagle, because of its size and rarity, is also a highly desired bird for birdwatchers.