Best time to travel to Philippines

Philippine Eagle in Philippines

The national bird of the Philippines is renowned as the world's largest eagle species and is found nowhere else across the globe

Best time: all year round

Philippine Eagle
Philippine Eagle
Philippine Eagle
Philippine Eagle

The Great Philippine Eagle, strong and proud, is considered to be the largest species of the extant eagles in the world. Its length and wing surface are significant. Being one of the rarest and most powerful birds in the world, this eagle is also known to feed on monkeys, and also love eating flying lemurs.

Since it has been declared the national bird of the Philippines, you may find images depicting its brown and white-coloured plumage and shaggy crest everywhere around the country. Still, a true pleasure is to see this great bird with your own eyes. Note that these birds are found exceptionally in the Philippine rainforests. The trade of these birds is banned, and killing a Philippine Eagle leads to 12 years in jail and heavy fines according to Philippine law.

Philippine Eagles are found on the islands of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. Mount Kitanglad is said to be one of the most popular places to see a Philippine Eagle in the wild. A total number of population is less than 500, so it must be really challenging to encounter one. After all, you can always opt for a bird watching tour at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City. It's home to a few tens of these noble rare birds.

Practical info

Where can one observe Philippine Eagles in their natural habitat?

Philippine Eagles can only be seen in Philippine rainforests in various islands of the Philippines. Although a challenging endeavor with less than 500 individuals remaining, Mount Kitanglad is among the essential locations to spot these birds in their natural habitat. However, the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City provides the surest way to see these rare birds, which are provided care, shelter, and protection under conservation efforts. Show more

What is the most recommended time frame to visit the Philippine Eagle Center for bird watching?

The Philippine Eagle Center welcomes visitors 365 days a year, with regular birdwatching tours. Although visitors can observe these captive eagles every day, it is best to come between October and March when conditions for bird watching are optimal. Show more

What distinguishes Philippine Eagles from all other types of eagles worldwide?

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is the largest eagle species globally, measuring up to three feet tall and over seven feet in wingspan, easily distinguished by its shaggy crest and brown and white plumage. While most eagle species typically prey on smaller birds or mammals, the Philippine eagle has developed the ability to hunt large prey like monkeys and flying lemurs. It is also one of the rarest eagle species globally, found solely in the Philippines. Show more

What does the Philippine Eagle being designated as the national bird of the Philippines symbolize?

The Philippine Eagle became the Philippines' national bird, representing strength, power, and the country's natural wealth as one of the rarest bird species globally. As a highly endangered species with under 500 specimens in the wild, enforcement laws in the country criminalize killing or trading of Philippine eagles, with stiff penalties of up to 12 years imprisonment and hefty fines. It is an integral part of Philippine culture, ingrained in patriotism and widely incorporated in various national symbols. Show more

What penalties apply if one kills or trades Philippine Eagles in the Philippines?

The Philippine Eagle is one of the legally protected species under Philippine law, and killing or trading it is a criminal act. Such a crime can lead to imprisonment of up to 12 years and heavy fines besides causing more harm to a species whose population has dropped to less than 500 individuals primarily due to poaching. Though conservation efforts and consequences like imprisonment and fines are put in place, the Philippine Eagle remains a highly threatened species vulnerable to habitat loss and fires. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin