ELANG PHILIPINA

*Philippine Eagle (_Pithecophaga jefferyi_) – The “Monkey‑Eating”

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Introduction
The *_Philippine Eagle (_Pithecophaga jefferyi__), also known as the *Monkey‑Eating Eagle*, is one of the world’s largest and most endangered raptors. Endemic to the Philippines, it crowns the rainforests of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. With a powerful talon grip stronger than a lion’s claw and a striking visage, it embodies both majesty and fragility.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* _Pithecophaga jefferyi_ (Ogilvie‑Grant, 1896)
- *Family:* Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, kites)
- *Genus:* _Pithecophaga_ – “ape‑eater” (Greek _pithekos_ = ape, _phagein_ = to eat)
- *Species:* _jefferyi_ – honoring John Whitehead’s wife, *Jeffery*, who assisted in discovery.
- *Common names:* Philippine Eagle, Monkey‑Eating Eagle (historical, though diet broader than primates).

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Description
- *Size:* One of the largest eagles – 86–102 cm (34–40 in) length; wingspan up to *220 cm (7 ft)*.
- *Weight:* 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb); females larger (up to 8 kg).
- *Plumage:*
- *Head:* Creamy white crown, dark brown nape, long crest of brown feathers.
- *Upperparts:* Dark brown with faint white spotting.
- *Underparts:* White to pale buff, barred with brown on thighs.
- *Eyes:* Striking blue‑gray to hazel.
- *Bill:* Massive, arched, blackish; strong talons (hind talon ~ 5 cm).
- *Sexual dimorphism:* Female 15–20 % larger, heavier; males slightly smaller with slimmer bill.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Endemic range:* *Philippines* – Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao (Sierra Madre, Cordillera, Eastern Mindanao).
- *Habitat:* Primary and secondary *lowland to montane dipterocarp forest* (0–2,000 m). Requires large tracts of contiguous forest with emergent trees for nesting and abundant prey.
- *Population:* Estimated *200–400 mature individuals* remaining (IUCN, 2023).

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Behaviour & Ecology
Diet
- *Opportunistic apex predator:*
- *Primates:* Philippine macaque (_Macaca fascicularis_), flying lemur (_Cynocephalus volans_).
- *Birds:* Hornbills, pigeons, owls.
- *Mammals:* Civets, palm civets, rodents; occasionally monitor lizards.
- *Hunting:* Perches on emergent branches, scans canopy, then swoops with a powerful, silent glide; grabs prey with massive talons, killing instantly.

Breeding
- *Monogamous, lifelong pair bonds.*
- *Nest:* Massive platform of sticks (up to 3 m diameter) on tall emergent tree (30–60 m above ground).
- *Clutch:* 1 egg (rarely 2).
- *Incubation:* 58–60 days (female).
- *Fledging:* 120–150 days; juvenile dependent for 12–20 months.
- *Reproductive rate:* One chick every 2 years → slow population recovery.

Vocalisations
- Loud, resonant *“whii‑whii‑whii”* calls echoing through forest canopy.
- Duets between mates reinforce bond.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Critically Endangered (2023)*.
- *Threats:*
- *Habitat loss:* Logging, mining, conversion to oil‑palm, agriculture.
- *Hunting & poaching:* Shot for sport, trophies, or mistaken retaliation.
- *Illegal pet trade:* High black‑market value.
- *Low reproductive output.*
- *Conservation actions:*
- *Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF)*: Captive breeding (first successful breeding 1992), nest protection, community livelihood programs.
- *Protected areas:* Mt. Kitanglad, Sierra Madre, Mt. Apo (national parks).
- *International cooperation:* CITES Appendix I, USFWS support.
- *Community engagement:* Eco‑tourism, “Eagle Guardians” program.

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Interesting Facts
- *Strength:* Talon grip ~ 400 psi (human ~ 150 psi).
- *Longevity:* Up to 30 years in wild, 40 years in captivity.
- *National symbol:* Declared *National Bird of the Philippines* (1978).
- *Cultural role:* Revered by indigenous groups (e.g., Lumad, Ifugao) as a spirit messenger.

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Quick Reference Table
Feature Detail
Length 86–102 cm (34–40 in)
Wingspan Up to 220 cm (7 ft)
Weight 4.5–8 kg (10–18 lb)