Where does the Philippine Hawk-Eagle live?
Nisaetus philippensis
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Open the appThe Philippine Hawk-Eagle lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
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.
Preferred environments
Primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and sometimes clearings within extensive forest blocks.
Elevation range
Sea level up to 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), primarily in lowland and montane forests.
Where to look
National Parks
Protected forests within national parks such as Mount Apo National Park, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, and Samar Island Natural Park are prime locations.
Forested Mountain Slopes
Search in areas with extensive primary and good secondary forest cover on mountain slopes throughout its range.
Forest Edges and Clearings
They can sometimes be seen soaring over forest edges or clearings, or perched on tall emergent trees overlooking the forest canopy.
Field tips
- 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.
- 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.
- Look for perches. Observe tall, emergent trees at the forest edge or within clearings, as they often perch conspicuously on high branches.
- Visit known sites. Consult local bird guides or eBird reports for specific sites where they have been recently recorded.
- Be patient. Forest raptors can be elusive. Patience and quiet observation are key to spotting this species.
Migration
Sedentary; not known to migrate.
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