The Mighty Philippine Eagle: All About Its Eggs and Nesting Habits

The Philippine Eagle is a rare, powerful bird of prey endemic to the Philippines. Its population is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.

It lays only one large, white egg per breeding season and builds its nest high on trees, which can weigh up to a ton.

The eagle mates for life and stays with its partner to defend their territory and raise their young. Protecting endangered species and their habitats is vital, and the Philippine Eagle is a remarkable and awe-inspiring creature.

The National Bird of the Philippines

The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating eagle, is the national bird of the Philippines. This majestic bird is known for its unique physical characteristics, such as its sharp talons and striking brown and white plumage.

However, the Philippine Eagle’s nesting habits and egg characteristics are equally impressive.

These eagles typically nest in large trees, with both the male and female participating in nest construction. The female lays a single egg, which is incubated for approximately two months.

The egg is large, with an average size of 73 mm x 58 mm and a weight of 116 grams. After hatching, the chick remains in the nest for up to six months, relying on its parents for food and protection.

The Philippine Eagle’s nesting habits and egg characteristics highlight the importance of protecting these magnificent birds and their habitats.

Monkey-eating” is one of the common names for the Philippine Eagle. However, it is important to note that despite its name, the Philippine Eagle primarily feeds on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and not just monkeys.

The name “Monkey-eating” is derived from historic accounts of these eagles preying on monkeys, but it does not accurately represent their typical diet.

Philippine Eagle – Eggs

The Philippine Eagle, an impressive bird of prey found in the Philippines, lays only one egg per breeding season. The egg is relatively large, and it takes approximately two months to hatch.

With an average size of 73 mm x 58 mm and a weight of 116 grams, the egg is one of the largest in proportion to the adult bird’s size in the world.

The eggshell is sturdy and thick to provide ample protection to the developing chick. After hatching, the chick remains in the nest for up to six months and depends on its parents for both food and shelter.

The survival of the Philippine Eagle is linked to the protection of its nesting and breeding habitats.

Philippine Eagle – Mating & Breeding

The courtship process of the Philippine Eagle begins with a sequence of vocalizations between the male and female eagles, followed by intricate aerial displays.

During this amazing display, the male eagle flies up high in the sky and then descends towards the female eagle, while the female eagle spreads her wings and glides towards him.

This act serves as both a courtship ritual and a way for the eagles to assert their territory and guard it against other eagles.

Between November and February, which is the breeding season, the pair begins to construct a nest in a tall tree or on a cliff ledge.

The nest can measure up to three meters in diameter and weigh up to a ton. The pair works in harmony to build the nest using branches, twigs, and soft materials like moss and feathers.

After completing the nest, the female eagle lays one or two eggs that both parents incubate. The eggs take approximately 58 days to hatch, during which the parents take turns sitting on the eggs and hunting for food. After hatching, the chicks depend on their parents for protection and sustenance.

The chicks stay in the nest for about six months, and inside the nest, they grow rapidly as their parents provide them with a diet of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

When they are strong enough to fly, the parents encourage them to take their first flights. For up to one year, the chicks remain reliant on their parents.

Breeding Philippine Eagles in captivity is a challenging process.

Philippine Eagle Size

The Philippine Eagle displays sexual dimorphism in terms of size, with females typically being larger than males. On average, female eagles weigh approximately 6.7 kg (14.8 lbs) and have a length of around 102 cm (40 in) from beak to tail, while males weigh approximately 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) and have a length of around 91 cm (36 in).

Additionally, the wingspan of the Philippine Eagle can reach up to 220 cm (7.2 ft), making it one of the largest eagle species in terms of wingspan. Its beak is also notably large, measuring about 8 cm (3.1 in) in length.

Philippine Eagle Symbolism

The Philippine Eagle is the national bird and one of the most iconic symbols of the Philippines. Here are some of the symbolism associated with the Philippine Eagle:

Strength and Power: The Philippine Eagle is a symbol of strength, power, and courage. It is known for its remarkable size, sharp talons, and strong beak, which make it one of the most powerful birds of prey in the world.
Independence and Freedom: The Philippine Eagle is a symbol of independence and freedom, representing the country’s struggle for sovereignty and independence. It is also a symbol of the nation’s commitment to protect and preserve its natural resources.
Majesty and Nobility: The Philippine Eagle is a majestic bird that represents nobility and prestige. It is a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Endangered Species: The Philippine Eagle is also a symbol of the country’s biodiversity and the need to protect its endangered species. The eagle is considered one of the most endangered birds of prey in the world, with only a few hundred remaining in the wild.

Overall, the Philippine Eagle is a symbol of the Philippines’ natural heritage and cultural identity, representing strength, independence, majesty, and the need for conservation and protection of endangered species.

Philippine Eagle Diet

The Philippine Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. Its diet mainly consists of a variety of prey species that inhabit the forest canopy, including:

Flying lemurs: These arboreal mammals are the primary food source for Philippine Eagles. They are also known as colugos or tree gliders.
Flying squirrels: Philippine Eagles also prey on flying squirrels, which are similar to flying lemurs in their ability to glide through the forest canopy.
Birds: The eagle feeds on a variety of birds, including pigeons, parrots, hornbills, and other smaller species.
Bats: Bats are also on the eagle’s menu, especially when they are roosting in large numbers.
Reptiles and mammals: The eagle will also feed on reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, and small mammals, such as rodents and tree shrews.

The Philippine Eagle is an apex predator and is at the top of the food chain in its habitat. Its diet is highly dependent on the availability of prey species in its forest habitat, and it requires large areas of intact forest to survive.

Philippine Eagle Location

The Philippine Eagle is endemic to the Philippines, which means it is found nowhere else in the world. The eagle’s range is restricted to four major islands in the Philippines: Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.

Historically, the eagle was found in many areas throughout its range, but today it is highly endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.

The remaining population of Philippine Eagles is fragmented, and they are currently confined to a few isolated areas of undisturbed forest in these four islands.

In Luzon, the eagle is found in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Cordillera Mountains, and the Zambales Mountains. In Samar and Leyte, the eagle is found in the remaining areas of primary forest in the Samar Island Natural Park and the Leyte Mountain Range.

In Mindanao, the eagle is found in various locations, including Mount Apo, Mount Kitanglad, and the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Efforts are being made to protect the remaining habitat of the Philippine Eagle and to establish protected areas where the species can thrive. Conservation organizations are working with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices and to reduce hunting and other threats to the eagle’s survival.

Philippine Eagle Habitat

The Philippine Eagle is a forest-dependent species and is found primarily in the lowland, dipterocarp and mid-mountain rainforests of the Philippines. It requires large areas of intact forest to survive and is rarely found in disturbed or fragmented habitats.

The eagle’s habitat is characterized by tall, mature trees that provide a canopy cover, with a diverse understory of shrubs, vines, and other vegetation. It requires a mix of forest types, including old-growth forests, primary forests, and secondary forests that have been allowed to mature for several decades.

The Philippine Eagle’s habitat is also characterized by steep terrain, deep gorges, and rugged mountains, which provide the eagle with a suitable hunting ground and nesting sites.

The eagle typically nests in large, emergent trees in remote areas of the forest, often near rivers or other water sources.

Unfortunately, much of the eagle’s habitat has been lost or degraded due to deforestation, mining, and other human activities. As a result, the remaining population of Philippine Eagles is highly endangered and requires urgent conservation measures to protect their habitat and promote their recovery.

Philippine Eagle Nesting Behaviour

The Philippine Eagle is a monogamous species, and pairs usually mate for life. They typically breed during the months of August to February, with the peak of nesting occurring between November and January.

The eagle’s nesting behavior is a complex process that involves the selection of a suitable nest site, the construction of the nest, and the raising of the chicks.

Nest Site Selection: The Philippine Eagle typically selects a large emergent tree for its nesting site, which provides a commanding view of the surrounding area and protection from predators. The eagle’s nest can be located as high as 30-40 meters above the ground and is usually situated in a remote and inaccessible part of the forest.

Nest Construction: The Philippine Eagle constructs its nest using branches, twigs, and other materials that it collects from the surrounding forest. The nest can take up to six months to construct, and both male and female eagles participate in the building process. The nest can measure up to 2-3 meters in diameter and 1 meter deep, and it is lined with soft materials such as leaves and grasses.

Egg-Laying and Incubation: The Philippine Eagle typically lays one egg per nesting season, which is incubated by both parents for about 60 days. During incubation, the male and female take turns sitting on the egg, with one eagle remaining on the nest while the other hunts for food.

Chick-Rearing: After the egg hatches, the chick is cared for by both parents. The chick is fed regurgitated food by both parents, with the male typically providing the food while the female guards the nest. The chick remains in the nest for several months until it is ready to fledge, or leave the nest and begin its own life.

Overall, the Philippine Eagle’s nesting behavior is a critical aspect of its life cycle and is essential to the survival of the species.

The eagle’s nesting requirements, such as the need for large, emergent trees and remote, inaccessible locations, make it vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats. Therefore, protecting the eagle’s nesting habitat is crucial to the conservation of the species.

How many eggs does a Philippine Eagle lay?

The Philippine Eagle typically lays only one egg per nesting season. The egg is incubated by both parents for about 60 days before hatching.

Unlike some other bird species, the Philippine Eagle does not lay a replacement egg if the first one fails to hatch or the chick dies.

The survival of the single chick is therefore critical for the species’ conservation, and both parents play an active role in caring for and protecting the chick until it is ready to fledge.

Why is the Philippine Eagle so special?

The Philippine Eagle is considered one of the most special and iconic species of the Philippines for several reasons:

Endemic to the Philippines: The Philippine Eagle is found only in the Philippines and is therefore a unique symbol of the country’s biodiversity and natural heritage.
Largest Eagle in the World: The Philippine Eagle is the largest eagle in the world in terms of length and wing surface area. Its massive size, sharp talons, and powerful beak make it a formidable predator in the forest ecosystem.
National Bird of the Philippines: The Philippine Eagle was declared the national bird of the Philippines in 1995, recognizing its cultural and ecological significance to the country.
Highly Endangered: The Philippine Eagle is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats. Its survival is therefore crucial to the conservation of the Philippines’ biodiversity.
Keystone Species: The Philippine Eagle is considered a keystone species because of its role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. As a top predator, it helps regulate the population of its prey, which in turn affects the health and diversity of the forest.

Overall, the Philippine Eagle is a symbol of the Philippines’ unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, and its conservation is essential to maintaining the health and balance of the country’s ecosystems.

What is the rarest Eagle in the world?

The rarest eagle in the world is the Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides). This critically endangered species is found only in Madagascar and is considered one of the rarest birds of prey in the world.

The population of Madagascar Fish Eagles is estimated to be less than 400 individuals, with only about 100 breeding pairs remaining.

The species is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, and urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent its extinction.

How many Philippine Eagles are left?

The population of the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is currently estimated to be less than 400 pairs in the wild.

Philippine Eagle Facts

Here are some Philippine Eagle facts:

The Philippine Eagle is a critically endangered bird of prey that is found only in the Philippines.
It is also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle due to its diet of monkeys, although it also feeds on other animals such as birds, flying squirrels, and reptiles.
The Philippine Eagle is the largest eagle in the world in terms of length and wing surface area.
It has a distinctive appearance, with its shaggy crest of feathers, bright blue eyes, and powerful curved beak and talons.
The eagle is a monogamous species that typically mates for life, with breeding occurring from August to February.
The female lays only one egg per nesting season, which is incubated by both parents for about 60 days.
The eagle’s nesting behavior is complex, with the pair selecting a suitable nest site, constructing the nest, and caring for the chick until it is ready to fledge.
The Philippine Eagle is a keystone species that plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem.
The species is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, with less than 400 pairs remaining in the wild.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and captive breeding programs, are underway to help increase the population of this magnificent bird of prey and prevent its extinction.

Final Words

The Philippine eagle is a remarkable and highly vulnerable creature that can grow wings up to seven feet long, sporting distinct attributes like a notable crest and captivating blue eyes. Protecting their breeding habitats and guaranteeing the flourishing of their offspring is of utmost significance in safeguarding their species.

Nonetheless, numerous dangers like loss of natural habitats and illicit hunting jeopardize the existence of the Philippine eagle and their eggs. It is imperative to continue implementing conservation methods to secure the survival of this awe-inspiring bird and its offspring for the coming times.