Endangered Species: Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is a giant forest raptor endemic to the Philippines. It is considered to be one of the most powerful eagles in the world; unfortunately, it is also one of the world’s rarest; listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List with a wild population estimated to be fewer than 500.

Apart from being one of the largest eagles in the world, growing up to a metre in length with a two-metre wingspan, the Philippine Eagle is also one of the most striking; it has stunning brown and white plumage, a huge dark black bill with a tinge of blue and bright yellow feet. Despite their large size, these birds are swift and agile in the air. Philippine Eagles prey on a host of animals and they have been known to hunt bats, flying lemurs, civets, flying squirrels and macaques. They also eat birds, including other birds of prey, snakes and lizards.