King
of Birds
The Philippine Eagle, the rarest and the largest eagle in the entire planet is critically-endangered.
The Philippine Eagle is arguably the largest eagle in the world. It is only found in the Philippines, and is declared as the country's national bird. In Tagalog, it is called "Haribon" which translates to "King of Birds".
The Philippine Eagle has a big cultural and symbolic importance to the Philippines. It plays a crucial role in their environment by keeping the balance of the ecosystem. Conserving them and their habitats will automatically provide an umbrella protection to all other lifeforms in its territory.
Three things you haven't heard about this eagle
Largest in the world
It is the largest eagle in the whole planet in terms of wingspan- that is about 7 feet or 2 meters! The males weigh up to 4.8kg, while females can weigh up to 6.8kg.
Together Forever
Once paired, the Philippine Eagle couple remains together for the rest of their lives. It also lays a single egg every two years.
Eagle Eye
The national bird can spot its prey that's 1.24 miles away. It has the ability to see eight times clearer and farther than human eyes. Also, it is the only eagle with blue-grey eyes.
The Philippine eagle by the numbers
60
yearsDue to deforestation and shootings, they tend to live less than 40 years.
4,000
hectaresMinimum of 4,000 football fields are needed to spread their wings and raise a chick.
400
pairsOnly 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles are left in the wild.
When a Philippine Eagle looks right in your eye and makes eye contact it’s breathtaking. The crest flares up, those light eyes, those beautiful bluish eyes stare right at your eyes and that contact is riveting, powerful. They’re magnificent, they’re splendid, you know. It’s truly, truly a unique creature.
-- Neil Rettig, an internationally renowned wildlife filmmaker
Learn more and support the conservation efforts of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
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