Ketupa philippensis
The Philippine Eagle-Owl (Ketupa philippensis) is a magnificent and enigmatic nocturnal raptor, truly a jewel of the Philippine archipelago's unique biodiversity. Standing impressively at 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 110-120 cm (43-47 inches), it typically weighs between 1000-1600 grams (2.2-3.5 lbs), with females generally being larger than males. Its plumage is a rich rufous-brown, heavily streaked and barred with darker brown and black, providing super...
Primarily inhabits dense, humid tropical rainforests, often near rivers or streams, from lowland to lower montane elevations up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level.
Feeds primarily on small mammals such as rodents and bats, birds, reptiles, and occasionally fish, crustaceans, and large insects, hunting from a perch over water or land.
This elusive owl is strictly nocturnal, spending its days roosting quietly in dense foliage, often near water sources, making it incredibly difficult to spot. Foraging typically begins at dusk, involving silent flights from a high perch to snatch prey from the ground, water surface, or vegetation...
The Philippine Eagle-Owl is endemic to the Philippines, with a fragmented distribution across several major islands within the archipelago. Its primary known range includes parts of Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, and Bohol. It is most frequently recorded in undisturbed, primary lowland and lower ...
Vulnerable
- The Philippine Eagle-Owl is one of the largest owls endemic to the Philippines, making it a true avian giant of the archipelago. - Despite belonging to the *Ketupa* (fish owl) genus, its diet is remarkably diverse, including not only aquatic prey but also a significant proportion of terrestrial...