- Source: Philippine serpent eagle
The Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) is an eagle found in the major islands of the Philippines. It is sometimes treated as a race of the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela). This species is usually found in forest clearings, open woodlands, and sometimes in cultivated lands with scattered trees. It is endemic to the Philippines. The species is found on most part of the major islands, except for Palawan.
It is illegal to hunt, capture or possess Philippine serpent eagles under Philippine Law RA 9147.
Description and taxonomy
Ebird describes it as "A fairly large, common raptor of forest and more open wooded areas from the lowlands to the lower mountains. Dark brown with white speckles on the crown and upperparts, rufous-brown below with large white spots. Note the gray cheek and yellow eye. Differs from other raptors in its range by its bare yellow skin between the bill and eye, and in flight by its dark terminal band to the wings and tail. Often gives a whistled “weeeeeuuuu weu weu” in flight, or sometimes just a single note."
This species is monotypic.
Ecology and behavior
The bird feeds on amphibians, reptiles and other live prey. Not much is known about its breeding habits. A female was collected with a single egg in its oviducts in April of 2020.
Habitat and conservation status
Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forest, montane forest, second growth and culltivated areas up to 2,500 meters above sea level.
The IUCN has classified the species as being of Least Concern as it has a large range and it is common throughout its range and appears to adapt to second growth. Populations are still declining due to habitat loss due to slash and burn farming, mining, illegal logging and habitat conversion, hunting and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.
It is found in multiple protected areas such as Pasonanca Natural Park, Bataan National Park, Mount Banahaw, Mount Kitanglad. Mount Apo, Pasonanca Natural Park and Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park but like all areas in the Philippines, protection is lax and deforestation continues despite this protection on paper.
References
External links
Philippine serpent eagle — Spilornis holospilus