Once known as the monkey-eating eagle; it is endemic(found only) to the eastern portion of the Philippine comprising the Sierra Madre mountains in Eastern Luzon and the heavily forested area of Mindanao.
The largest eagle, standing to about three and a half feet (3 1/2) may be recognized by its powerful bill, strong legs and claws. The general body color is grayish brown in the back and wings, whitish front neck and belly with shafts of gray brown streaked feathers on the head, which when erect forms a crest.
The prey mostly on monkeys, but lately they have been observed feeding on flying lemurs (caguang), wild cats (musang), and flying squirrels (tapilac) in Mindanao. Usually the male does the hunting, sharing his catch with the female and the young, especially during the breeding time.
The life of the eagle has been closely watched resulting in the following findings: pairs occupy a wide territory in lowland and medium elevation forest. Hunting flights extend to the cleared areas as well. At breeding time, they usually indulge in high searing flights and are said to mate in mid-air. The nest is a crude platform of branches and twigs, set in the tallest tree. Only one white egg is laid which hatches in about two months.
The very size of the monkey eating eagle with its majestic stance makes it a very desirable target as a trophy. Also because of its uniqueness, there is a demand for its in major zoos of the world.
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