Nisaetus philippensis
The Philippine Hawk-Eagle (*Nisaetus philippensis*) is a medium-sized, powerful raptor endemic to the Philippines, renowned for its striking appearance and elusive nature. Adults typically measure 50-60 cm in length with a wingspan of 100-120 cm, featuring dark brown upperparts, a prominent shaggy crest, and heavily barred rufous and white underparts that serve as a key identification mark. Their piercing yellow eyes and robust yellow talons reflect their predatory prowess within the forest c...
Primarily inhabits dense, mature evergreen tropical rainforests, from lowland to montane elevations, typically ranging from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
A skilled avian predator, its diet primarily consists of various medium-sized birds, including hornbills and pigeons, as well as small mammals like squirrels, bats, and tree shrews, along with some reptiles.
This diurnal raptor is often observed soaring high above the forest canopy in thermals during the morning, before returning to hunt within the dense foliage. It employs a stealthy perch-hunting strategy, patiently waiting on a concealed branch before launching a swift, powerful attack on unsuspec...
The Philippine Hawk-Eagle is strictly endemic to the Philippines, with a fragmented distribution across several major islands. The nominate subspecies, *N. p. philippensis*, is found on Luzon and Mindoro, primarily in their remaining montane forests. The southern subspecies, *N. p. pinskeri*, inh...
Endangered
- The Philippine Hawk-Eagle is one of the most elusive and least studied raptors in the Philippines, making encounters with it a rare treat for birders. - There are two recognized subspecies: *N. p. philippensis* found in Luzon and Mindoro, and *N. p. pinskeri* on Mindanao and the Visayan islands...