Philippine Hawk-Eagle

About

The Philippine Hawk-Eagle is a medium-sized raptor endemic to the Philippines. It is characterized by its crested head, powerful build, and striking plumage, adapted for hunting in forest environments. It is a true forest eagle, typically found perched inconspicuously within the canopy or soaring above forest clearings.

Size & lifespan

Length

55-70 cm (21.5-27.5 in)

Wingspan

110-125 cm (43-49 in)

Weight

1.1-1.6 kg (2.4-3.5 lbs)

Lifespan

Up to 20 years in the wild, potentially longer in captivity.

Diet

Primarily small to medium-sized birds, including hornbills and pigeons, as well as mammals such as bats and rodents, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have dark brown upperparts, a dark brown crest, and pale underparts with heavy rufous-brown streaking on the breast and belly. The underwing coverts are rufous, contrasting with pale flight feathers that have dark barring. The tail is dark with several broad dark bands. The facial disc is often rufous-brown.

Beak shape

Robust, hooked beak, typical of raptors, dark grey to black with a pale cere.

Eye color

Yellow to orange-yellow in adults, paler in immatures.

Leg color

Yellow

Distinguishing features

Prominent dark crest, heavily streaked rufous underparts, rufous underwing coverts, and banded tail. The deep, penetrating yellow eyes are also distinctive.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are paler overall, with a whiter head and underparts, less streaking on the body, and a shorter, less prominent crest. The flight feathers are pale with dark barring, and the tail is also barred. Eyes are generally paler yellow.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally larger and heavier than males, but plumage is similar.

How to identify

1. 1

   Crest

   Look for the prominent dark brown crest, often held erect, giving the head a distinctive shape.

2. 2

   Underparts

   Observe the pale underparts with heavy, rich rufous-brown streaking on the breast and belly. This is a key field mark for adults.

3. 3

   Underwing

   Note the rufous underwing coverts which strongly contrast with the paler, barred flight feathers during flight.

4. 4

   Eyes

   Adults have striking bright yellow to orange-yellow eyes, which stand out against the relatively dark head.

5. 5

   Call

   Listen for its characteristic high-pitched, whistled 'pi-wit... pi-wit...' calls, especially when soaring or near nesting sites.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests.

Geographic range

Endemic to the Philippines, found on various islands including Luzon, Mindoro, Mindanao, Negros, Panay, and Samar.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), primarily in lowland and montane forests.

Preferred environments

Primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and sometimes clearings within extensive forest blocks.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Opportunistic predator, hunting by soaring and stooping on prey or by ambushing from a perch within the forest canopy. They have powerful talons to seize and carry prey.

Social behavior

Typically solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Not known to form large flocks.

Flight pattern

Powerful direct flight, often soaring high above the forest, or gliding silently through the canopy. Known for spectacular aerial displays during breeding season.

Migration pattern

Sedentary; not known to migrate.

Territoriality

Highly territorial, particularly around nesting sites, which they defend against other raptors and potential threats.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies slightly by island, but generally October to May, peaking around February to April.

Nesting habits

Builds large stick nests high in emergent trees within dense forest. Nests are often reused for several years.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs

Egg description

Typically one, sometimes two (rarely), blunt elliptical eggs, usually dull white with light reddish-brown blotches or streaks.

Incubation period

Approximately 45-50 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 70-85 days after hatching, but remain dependent on parents for several more months.

Parental care

Both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing. The female does most of the incubation, while the male provides food during that period and after hatching. Both parents actively feed and defend the nestling(s).

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan the sky. Spend time scanning the sky above forest patches, especially during mid-morning and late afternoon, for soaring individuals. They often soar at considerable heights.
2. Listen for calls. Their distinctive calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are hidden in the dense canopy. Learn their vocalizations.
3. Look for perches. Observe tall, emergent trees at the forest edge or within clearings, as they often perch conspicuously on high branches.
4. Visit known sites. Consult local bird guides or eBird reports for specific sites where they have been recently recorded.
5. Be patient. Forest raptors can be elusive. Patience and quiet observation are key to spotting this species.

Similar species

Quick facts

Conservation Status:

Endangered (EN)

Diet:

Birds, mammals, reptiles

Habitat:

Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests

Distribution:

Endemic to the Philippines

Special Feature:

Prominent dark crest

Vocalization:

High-pitched whistled calls

Fun facts

• The Philippine Hawk-Eagle is one of two species of Hawk-Eagle endemic to the Philippines, the other being Pinsker's Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri), which was only recently elevated to full species status.
• Despite its endangered status, it is sometimes successfully bred in captivity as part of conservation efforts.
• Its powerful flight and keen eyesight make it an apex predator in its forest ecosystem, playing a vital role in regulating prey populations.
• The specific epithet 'philippensis' directly refers to the Philippines, highlighting its restricted geographic range.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae

Genus

Nisaetus

Species

Nisaetus philippensis

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