The Philippine Eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi, is a massive bird of prey endemic to the Philippines and ranks among the world’s rarest raptors. Its physical presence has cemented its status as the national bird of the country. Determining the eagle’s true dimensions is complex, as size is measured by three distinct metrics: length, weight, and wingspan. The Philippine Eagle is a giant, but its overall ranking depends on which measurement is being considered.
Body Length and Weight
The length of the Philippine Eagle often secures its place as one of the largest eagles alive today. Total length, measured from the beak tip to the end of the tail feathers, typically ranges from 86 to 102 centimeters (2.8 to 3.3 feet). Surveys indicate that the average female measures around 105 centimeters, making it the longest extant eagle species in the world.
The body weight generally falls between 4.7 and 8.0 kilograms (10.4 to 17.6 pounds). This variation is due to sexual dimorphism, a common trait where females are noticeably larger than males. Female Philippine Eagles average about 6.0 kg (13.2 lbs), while males average around 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs). Females may be 10% to 20% heavier than their male counterparts.
The eagle’s stature is enhanced by specific physical characteristics. It possesses a distinctive, shaggy crest of long feathers, giving its head a lion-like appearance. Its heavy, high-arched beak is bluish-gray, and its powerful yellow legs are tipped with large, dark claws.
Wingspan and Flight Profile
The wingspan of the Philippine Eagle is a significant measure of its size, though it is not the largest among all eagle species. Its wings stretch between 184 and 220 centimeters (6 feet 0 inches to 7 feet 3 inches). The average span is often cited at about two meters, or roughly 6.6 feet.
The shape and length of the wings are tied to the eagle’s ecological niche. Unlike eagles that hunt over open plains, the Philippine Eagle lives in mountainous, dense rainforests. Its wings are broad and relatively shorter than those of eagles in open country. This design provides the necessary maneuverability to navigate the tight spaces of the forest canopy while hunting.
The broad wings provide a large surface area for lift, allowing the bird to take off and fly with heavy prey through the trees. The wingspan is an adaptation for agility rather than for prolonged, high-altitude soaring over expansive landscapes.
Ranking Among the World’s Largest Raptors
When comparing the Philippine Eagle to other large birds of prey, its size ranking depends on the metric used. It is considered the largest extant eagle species in terms of overall body length, placing it ahead of other contenders for the title of largest eagle.
However, the Philippine Eagle is typically surpassed in weight and bulk by two other raptors. The Harpy Eagle of Central and South America and the Steller’s Sea Eagle of northeastern Asia generally weigh more. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is often cited as the heaviest eagle species.
The Philippine Eagle’s wingspan is also shorter than that of some other eagles. While its wings are broad, open-country species, such as the Steller’s Sea Eagle, have a longer maximum wingspan. The Philippine Eagle’s distinction as a giant among raptors rests primarily on its long total body length.