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Home , Biliran, Bongao, Brahminy kite, Buluan, Burias (island), Camiguin

Field Guide: Raptors in the

Order

Family Pandionidae

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Habits: normally associated with water as it feeds exclusively on fish, which it catches by diving feet first into water with head between stretched legs; Description: distinctive black line through eye, bent wing, and dark wrist; long narrow wings with distinct bend at elbow; pale greenish grey legs. Call: a series of clear whistles cheep- cheep- cheep- cheeeep. Measurement: Total length–560 (22”); Wing Length–465; Tail Length–176; Bill Length–40; Tarsus Length–63; Wingspan–1350 (53”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (2 races) – haliaetus , , , , , , Pujada, and ; melvillensis Balabac, Luzon, , and Palawan. Status: CITES II, Migrant - Uncommon

Family

Barred honey buzzard Pernis celebensis

“Buhag” (Pil)

Habits: ranges primarily in lowland forest and forest edges below 1500 m. Secretive, tends to perch on dense part of tree crowns. imm Description: long wings, long neck, small head, streaked breast, barred belly, short legs and small feet; lores and around eye with small, grey scale-like ; Imm has a golden crown, dark grey face and long dark crest. Call: loud sharp whit weee-oooo or weee-oooo Measurement: Total Length – 558 (22”); Wing Length – 380; Tail Length – 255; Bill Length – 34; Tarsus Length – 40; Wingspan – 1320 (52”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (2 endemic races) – winkleri , Luzon, Marinduque (Gamauf and Preleuthner 1998), Polillo, and Sibuyan and possibly this race in Mindoro, , and Tablas; steerei , , Dinagat, , , Mindanao, Negros, , , and Tawi-Tawi.

imm Status: CITES II, Resident – Uncommon

Oriental Honeybuzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

“Mamuhag” (Pil)

Habits: common, but poorly known, seen soaring above or near forests below 1500 m. Feeds on ants and bees taken from nest and hives. Description: long slender “chicken neck”, long rounded tail, wings with translucent window at base of primaries, and finely streaked pale rufous under parts. Call: high-pitched wee-wey-uho or weehey-weehey. Measurement: Total Length–585 (23”); Wing Length–408; Tail Length–265; Bill Length–42; Tarsus Length–57; Wingspan–1420 (56”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines – (3 races) palawanensis (endemic) Calauit and Palawan; philippensis (endemic) Basilan, (CMNH 33921), Catanduanes, , Leyte, philippensis Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, (Miranda et al. in press), and Samar; orientalis (migrant) , Luzon, Mindoro, and Negros. Status: CITES II, Resident/Migrant – Common

1 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes ♂ Family Accipitridae

Eastern marsh- Circus spilonotus sub-adult “Mamamalaka” (Pil) ♂ Habits: primarily in marshes and fields but also grasslands where it hunts low over the ground in buoyant flight with wings held in a slight V; opportunistic feeder preying on small mammals, frogs and . Description: adult ♂- head, neck, mantle, wing coverts and throat streaked black and white; face and back mostly black; upper tail coverts white forming a conspicuous patch. imm ♂- streaking in under parts replaced with brown; wings and tail similar to adults but with more distinct white rump. Call: generally silent Measurement: Total Length–535 (21”); Wing Length–416; Tail Length–237; Bill Length–35; Tarsus Length– 95; Wingspan–1220 (48”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. sub-adult ♂ Range: Philippines (1 race) – spilonotus Batan, , Calayan, Jolo, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan. Status: CITES II, Migrant – Uncommon

♂ ♀ Pied harrier Circus melanoleucos

“Mamamalaka” (Pil)

Habits: prefers drier open fields and grasslands; perches on ground or grassy embankment; often seen flying low over the ground looking for prey. Description: ♂- head, back, throat, breast, outer 6 primaries and median coverts (forming bar on wing) black; lesser wing coverts white forming large white patch on shoulder; ♀- head and nape streaked dark brown and white, wings and tail brown with broad silvery grey bars; Call: generally silent ♀ Measurement: Total Length–460 (18”); Wing Length–340; Tail Length – 210; Bill Length–28; Tarsus Length–75; Wingspan–1070 (42”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range (Monotypic): Philippines – Bantayan, Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, Calayan, , Jolo, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Sibay and Ticao. Status: CITES II, Resident/Migrant – Uncommon

♂

Jerdon’s baza Aviceda jerdoni

Habits: found alone or in pairs in forests and edges from lowlands to mid- elevations; sluggish flight, low over canopy; feeds on , frogs and . Description: crown and neck reddish brown streaked with black; crest up to 60 mm long composed of 5 or 6 blackish brown feathers tipped white, throat white with black mesial streak; upper white breast; feathers with dark shafts; lower breast and belly whitish with broad light reddish brown bars. Call: plaintive heouuu or peeeew repeated. Measurement: Total Length–455 (18”); Wing Length–310; Tail Length–198; Bill Length–33; Tarsus Length–39; Wingspan–1090 (43”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines – (1 race) magnirostris Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Palawan, and Samar. Status: CITES II, Resident – Uncommon

2 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Accipitridae

Brahminy indus

“Lawin” (Tag); “Banog” (Vis)

Habits: common in open areas often near water, also in mountains to 1500 m. In flight, wings held forward and slightly bent at wrist. Description: adult has diagnostic contrasting white and rufous plumage with black sub-adult primaries. imm has buff head and reddish brown breast with pale shaft streaks. Call: distinctive nasal ah-a-eeehhh. Measurement: Total Length – 510 (20”); Wing Length – 416; Tail Length – 209; Bill imm Length – 36; Tarsus Length – 51; Wingspan – 1220 (48”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – intermedius Balukbaluk, Balut, Banga, Bantayan, Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, , Bucas, , Cabo, Cagayan Sulu, Calamianes, Calauit, Camotes, , Catanduanes, Calicoan, Cebu, , Cuyo, Dinagat, Dungdung, Fatima, Guimaras, Jolo, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Mactan, Maestre de Campo, Malanipa, Manuk Manka, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Pata, Polillo, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Semirara, Siargao, , , Sibuyan, Simaluc, , Tablas, Tawi-Tawi, Ticao, Tres Islas, Tumindao, and West Bolod. Status: CITES II, Resident – Common

Black-shouldered kite Elanus caeruleus

“Pu-wik” (Pil)

Habits: uncommon, in drier grasslands and scrub, singly or in pairs. Conspicuous, perched on exposed trees or flying over fields, often hovers. Description: adults have unmistakable white and light grey with conspicuous black shoulder. imm crown, wings, and breast tinged with brown or rufous, and wings and crown feathers edged in white. Call: a weak whistled wheep wheep. Measurement: Total Length – 370 (14½”); Wing Length – 290; Tail Length – 145; Bill Length – 26; Tarsus Length – 35; Wingspan – 1015 (40”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – hypoleucus Bantayan, Basilan, Bohol, Bongao, , Busuanga, Catanduanes, Cebu, Guimaras, Jolo, Leyte, Loran, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Samar, Siasi, Sibuyan, Tawi-Tawi, and Ticao. Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

Black Kite migrans

Habits: found in open country and along rivers, most often seen flying in buoyant, graceful flight singly or in small groups. Description: all dark with long slender wings and long forked tail. Adults’ head, neck upper back and breast brown, feathers with dark brown shaft narrowly bordered by buff. Imm underpart feathers have wedge-shaped pale tips, heavily streaked with buff. Call: a vibrant kuee ee ee eeee often followed by a chatter. Measurementt: Total Length – 610 (24”); Wing Length – 494; Tail Length – 316; Bill Length – 40; Tarsus Length – 58; Wingspan – 1470 (58”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – lineatus Palawan (one record on 1 Dec 1907 at Ihawig). Status: CITES II, Migrant - Accidental

3 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Accipitridae

Grey-headed fish- Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus imm “Alak-ak” (Pil)

Habits: found in freshwater marshes, and rivers through forests and remote forest-rimmed bays. Description: adult has a white tail with broad dark terminal bands. Note long neck and legs; immature has a pale reddish brown breast with buff shafts streaks and white belly. Call: unique cackling/yodeling concluded by loud aaawwwwwwhhhhhh. Measurement: Total Length – 660 (26”); Wing Length – 465; Tail Length – 242; Bill Length – 55; Tarsus Length – 80; Wingspan – 1620 (64”). Range (Monotypic): Philippines – Basilan, Bongao, Calamianes, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar. Status: CITES II, Vulnerable, Resident – Rare

White-bellied sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

“Agila” (Tag); “Manaol” (Vis)

Habits: found along the and especially on remote offshore , large lakes and rivers. Soars with wings held forward and in slight dihedral. Description: adult - unmistakable with white under parts contrasted by dark flight feathers; imm- diagnostic wedge-shaped tail and all brown under parts. Call: noisy, loud honk-like cackling. Measurement: Total Length –760 (30”); Wing Length–555; Tail Length–265; Bill imm Length–52; Tarsus Length–98; Wingspan–1880 (74”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range (Monotypic): Philippines – Balukbaluk, Balut, Bancoran, Banga, Bantayan, Basilan, Batan, Bohol, Bongao, Buluan, Cabo, Cagayan Sulu, Calagna-an, Calauit, Calayan, Norte, Catanduanes, Cebu, Coron, Corregidor, , Dungdung, East Bolod, Fatima, Fuga, Gigantes, Ivojos, Jolo, Luzon, Malamaui, Manuc Manukan, Manuk Manka, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Pan de Azucar, Pujada, Romblon, Sabtang, Samar, Sarangani, Semirara, Siasi, Sibago, Sibay, Sibutu, Sibuyan, Simaluc, Siquijor, Sitanki, Tablas, Talicud, Tawi-Tawi, Ticao, Tres Islas, Tumindao, Ursula, Verde, West Bolod, and Y’Ami. Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

Besra Accipiter virgatus

“Sakbit” (Pil)

Habits: common in all forest types from lowlands to 2400 m, rarely venturing into open areas. Description: always has dark mesial stripe on throat, yellow eye and cere, 5 bands on tail, and barred under wing with dark spotted wing coverts. Call: wu wit-tit-tit-tit-tit, the first notes spaced, and a shuttering series follows. Measurement: ♂ Total Length – 260 (10¼”); Wing Length – 152; Tail Length – 110; Bill Length – 17; Tarsus Length – 47; Wingspan – 460 (18”); ♀ Total Length – 296 (11½”); Wing Length – 182; Tail Length – 130; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 55; Wingspan – 560 (22”). Range: Philippines (2 endemic races) – confusus Catanduanes, Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, and Panay (CMNH 36902); quagga Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar, and Siquijor. Status: CITES II, Resident - Common

4 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

♀ Family Accipitridae

Japanese sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis

“Sakbit” (Pil)

Habits: found in open country, pine forests, and forest edges. Description: small, sexes differ. Male under parts and face dark grey, crown imm darker; tail grey with 4 broad blackish bars; throat and under tail coverts white, throat ♀ has narrow black mesial stripe; spots. Females have whitish eye brows; breast and belly white finely barred grayish brown. Measurement: ♂ Total Length – 250 (10”); Wing Length – 136; Tail Length – 113; Bill Length – 18; Tarsus Length – 44; Wingspan – 410 (16”); ♀ Total Length – 300 (12”); Wing Length – 165; Tail Length – 136; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 49; Wingspan – 510 (20”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – gularis Batan, Fuga, Luzon, Mindanao, Palawan, Sanga Sanga, Siasi, Sibutu, and Siquijor. ♂ Status: CITES II, Migrant - Uncommon

Crested goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus

extimus “Sakbit” (Pil)

Habits: common in forests and forest edges, tends to hunt from low perches. Soars over forests when courting with under tail coverts fluffed out beside tail. extimus Description: short crest, and barred flanks are distinctive. Call: a loud weeee-aaa or shrill he-he-he-he-he-he. Measurement: ♂ Total Length – 330 (13”); Wing Length – 185; Tail Length – 143; palawanus Bill Length – 23; Tarsus Length – 49; Wingspan – 560 (22”); ♀ Total Length – 395 (15½”); Wing Length – 220; Tail Length – 172; Bill Length – 26; Tarsus Length – 55; Wingspan – 660 (26”). Range: Philippines (3 races) – palawanus (endemic) Balabac, Batas (NMP 14463), Culion, (NMP 15792), Palawan, and Rasa (NMP 8534); castroi Polillo; extimus Bohol, Calicoan, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Samar, and Siargao. imm Status: CITES II , Resident – Fairly Common extimus

Chinese goshawk Accipiter soloensis

“Sakbit” (Pil)

imm Habits: found in forests and forest edges hunts from perch to catch flying insects and other prey from air to ground. Migrates in large soaring flocks. Description: white wing lining and base to primaries, sharply contrasting with black wing tips in adult, less so with barred flight feathers of immature. Measurement (Monotypic): Total Length – 278 (11”); Wing Length – 200; Tail Length – 130; Bill Length – 20; Tarsus Length – 42; Wingspan – 610 (24”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range (Monotypic): Philippines – Basilan, Biliran, Bohol (Hornskov 1996), Bongao, , Calayan, Cebu, Fuga, Guimaras, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay (CMNH 36821), Sanga Sanga, Sibutu, Sibuyan (Goodman et al. 1995), and Tawi-Tawi. Status: CITES II, Migrant – Fairly Common

5 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Accipitridae

Common buzzard buteo

Habits: only recorded from the pine forest and adjacent montane forests of the Mts above 1000 m where it can be seen soaring very high on broad, rounded wings and relatively short, rounded tail. Hovers often, diving down to catch small mammals, reptiles and even insects on the ground. Description: pale under wing with black carpal patch on wing tips and dark band on upper belly. Call: generally silent; when breeding, call is a high-pitched drawn out mewing (Bruun). Measurement: Total Length – 530 (21”); Wing Length – 385; Tail Length – 199; Bill Length – 34; Tarsus Length – 66; Wingspan – 1170 (46”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (1 race) – japonicus northwest Luzon (known only from the Cordillera Mts.) Status: CITES II, Resident?/Migrant? – Uncommon

Crested serpent eagle holospilus (Birdlife 2009)

“Bankas” (Pil)

Habits: soars high above forests and forest edges giving distinctive plaintive whistling call. Holds wings slightly forward and in a slight dihedral. Hunts in the forest canopy preying on and lizards. Description: with diagnostic fan-shaped crest on nape, short toes. Under wing has diagnostic broad white band near trailing edge. Imm- top of head buff with dark brown streaks and bars in crest. Call: loud, lazy whistled seee-ap weep weep or aahh-e-a reep. In palawanensis similar eep-a-pa weep weep weep. Measurement: Total Length – 510 (20”); Wing Length – 340; Tail Length – 220; Bill Length – 36; Tarsus Length – 75; Wingspan – 1070 (42”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (2 endemic races) – palawanensis Balabac, Busuanga, and Palawan; holospilus Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, Bongao, Bucas, Calagna-an, Calicoan, Camiguin Sur, Catanduanes, Cebu, Dinagat, Guimaras, Jolo, Leyte, Luzon, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Panay, Pan de Azucar, Polillo, Romblon, Samar, Siargao, Sibuyan, Sicogon, Tablas, Talicud, and Tawi-Tawi. Status: CITES II, Resident – Common

N.B. Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) is separated from S. cheela as an endemic (Birdlife 2009). It has more well-defined spots on the underparts and wings, a broad crest and unfeathered tarsi.

Grey-faced buzzard Butastur indicus

“Tik-we” (Pil)

Habits: migrates to Batan Is. and in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mts in Luzon during fall season where they prefer forest edges and open forests. Description: white eyebrow and throat with broad dark mesial line, long wings and long barred tail. Immature is buff white below with brown streaks. Call: a loud distinctive tik-weee. Measurement: Total Length – 430 (17”); Wing Length – 320; Tail Length – 189; Bill Length – 30; Tarsus Length – 58; Wingspan – 1020 (40”). ♀ averages larger than ♂ Range: (Monotypic) : Philippines – Balabac, Basilan, Batan, Biliran, Bohol, Cagayancillo, Cagayan Sulu, Calayan, Camiguin Norte, Catanduanes, Cebu, Culion, Cuyo, Fuga, Guimaras, Ivojos, Jolo, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Polillo, Pujada, Romblon, Siasi, Sabtang, Sibuyan, Samar, Sibay, Siquijor, Tawi-Tawi, and Verde. Status: CITES II, Migrant – Fairly Common

6 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Accipitridae

Changeable hawk-eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus

light phase “Banog”, “Banoy” (Pil) dark phase Habits: generally found in the lowlands in second growth and logged over forests with clearings. Tends to perch on exposed branches in the canopy of trees. Description: possesses a very short crest, feathered tarsus/ “booted legs”; color occurs in three phases- dark, light and intermediate. Light phase: note lack of crest, squarish head and breast and belly white with dark streaks. Immature has all white head, rump and under parts, primaries dark with white patch at base. imm Call: a loud weep weep weep weeeep. Measurement: Total Length – 635 (25”); Wing Length – 400; Tail Length – 255; Bill Length – 44; Tarsus Length – 100; Wingspan – 1270 (50”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (1 race) – limnaeetus Busuanga, Culion, Lubang, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan. dark phase Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

Philippine hawk-eagle Nizaetus philippensis (Haring et.al, 2006) (= Spizaetus philippensis)

“Banog” (Pil)

Habits: uncommon in forests from the lowlands to over 1900m; remains concealed while perching. Description: with a crest on top of its head, feathered tarsus/”booted legs”; adults: philippensis top of head, nape, and face feathers basal ½ buff with distal ½ dark brown; throat buff with dark brown mesial stripe and distinct streaked moustachial stripes; imm: top of head, nape and face golden buff, lores blackish forming a dark mask; Call: its presence is often revealed by its distinctive 2-note wheet whit. Measurement: Total Length – 610 (24”); Wing Length – 370; Tail Length – 252; Bill Length – 39; Tarsus Length – 97; Wingspan – 1190 (47”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: (2 races) – philippensis Luzon, with birds from Mindoro probably this race; pinskeri Mindanao, Negros, and Samar with birds from Basilan, Biliran, Bohol (Hornskov 1996), Leyte, and Siquijor, probably this race. Status: CITES II, Vulnerable, Endemic – Uncommon imm

Rufous-bellied eagle Hieraaetus kienerii

Habits: found in forests and forest edges, occasionally in open land up to about 1500 m. Soars often on level wings, performs spectacular stoops rocketing down to imm catch birds in the air. Description: feathered tarsus, medium long crest, sides of face streaked reddish brown and black, black patch at flanks. Immature has lores and line through and behind eye black forming black mask, under parts, including crest, dark brown, mottled white and brown on forehead and neck. Call: high-pitched chirrup. imm Measurement: Total Length – 455 (18”); Wing Length – 332; Tail Length – 170; Bill Length – 33; Tarsus Length – 66; Wingspan – 1020 (40”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: Philippines (1 race) – formosus Biliran, Bohol, (Hornskov 1996), Leyte, Luzon, Marinduque, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Samar, Sibuyan, and Tablas. Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

7 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Accipitridae

Philippine eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi

“Banog”, “Mamboogook”, “Malamboogook” (Bagobo, Mandaya, Manobo, Tagaka-olo); “”, “Manaol” (Maranao, ); “Tipule” (Subano); “Manaol” (Vis); “Haring Ibon”, “Asinmanonoy”, “Agila”, “Banoy” (Pil);

Habits: found in forests from lowlands to over 2000 m, usually in mountainous areas, singly or in pairs. Soars once the thermals develop taking advantage of lift and slope to cover a large area with little or no flapping. Description: adult - huge, broad rounded wings and long tail, crown with a shaggy crest of long slender feathers; massive arched bill; blue grey eyes; underparts with dark brown shaft streaks; tail above and flight feathers dark brown with black bars; tail with white tips. Imm - similar to adults but has white tips to feathers on upperparts, and wing and tail feathers more pointed; bill bluish grey at base with black tips; cere and skin around face grey; eye blue grey with yellow wash; pale yellow legs. Call: loud, plaintive whistle waaaauu waaaauu waaaauu or waa-leee-ahhh. Measurement: Total Length – 990 (39”); Wing Length – 606; Tail Length – 466; Bill Length – 69; Tarsus Length – 135; Wingspan – 1880 (74”). ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range (Monotypic): – Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, and Samar. Status: CITES I, Critically Endangered, Endemic - Rare

Family

Philippine falconet Microhierax erythrogenys

“Kikiro”, “Sigong” (Pil)

Habits: found singly or in small groups in open forests and edges. Perches in

Erythrogenys (imm) canopy or on dead trees, hawking insects and small vertebrates, catching some in air, trees, and others on the ground. Feisty, often seen mobbing Philippine ! Description: unmistakable black and white plumage. Call: high-pitched, chik-chik-erk-erk or continuous pew pew pew pew… Measurement: Total Length – 160 (6¼”); Wing Length – 106; Tail Length – 63; Bill Length – 16; Tarsus Length – 19; Wingspan – 250 (10”). Range (2 races): – erythrogenys Bohol, Catanduanes, Luzon, Mindoro and Negros; meridionalis Calicoan, Cebu, Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar. Status: CITES II, Endemic - Common

♂ Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Habits: frequents open and semi-open country, farmland, plantations and even cities. Hunts from perch or aerially often hovering to spot prey. Description: moustachial stripe, long pointed wings and long tail with sub-terminal ♀ black band. Call: a series of loud kee kee kee or sometimes kee-leek. Measurement: Total Length – 357 (14”); Wing Length – 252; Tail Length – 169; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 43; Wingspan – 735 (29”). ♀ larger than ♂. ♂ Range: Philippines (1 race) – interstinctus Batan, Busuanga, Luzon, Mindanao, and Palawan. Status: CITES II, Migrant - Uncommon

8 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Falconidae

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

erneernesti “Limbas” (Pil)

Habits: found in lowlands to high mountains with appropriate nesting cliffs, forest edges and open areas along the coasts. Solitary, fast powerful fliers, capable of spectacular stoops to catch prey in mid-air. Description: large, races vary- ernesti, almost black above with darker under parts; calidus calidus, grey above and lighter under parts.

imm ernesti Call: when breeding, a stuttering ka-yack call at nest and a repeated kek-kek-kek as an alarm call. Measurement: ♂ Total Length – 408 (16”); Wing Length – 300; Tail Length – 135; Bill Length – 30; Tarsus Length – 42; Wingspan – 915 (36”); ♀ Total Length – 480 (19”); Wing Length – 351; Tail Length – 162; Bill Length – 34; Tarsus Length – 51; Wingspan – 1065 (42”). Range : Philippines (2 races) – ernesti (resident) Bongao (Brooks and Dutson 1997), Cagayan Sulu, Calayan, Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, Panay (Miranda et al. in press), Sibuyan, Siquijor, and Tawi-Tawi (Hornskov 1996); calidus (migrant) Basilan, Batan, Camiguin Norte, Catanduanes, Coron, Fuga, Jessie Beazley , Luzon, Malamaui, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, and Palawan. Status: CITES I, Resident/Migrant – Uncommon

Merlin Falco columbarius

Habits: found in open country, trees and shrubs and along coasts. Flight is direct and powerful, usually flying low, following contours of land to take prey by surprise. ♂ Description: ♂: lores and forehead white; under parts blue grey with black shaft streaks, darker on crown, tail grey with black bars. ♀: crown dark brown with black shaft streaks, more distinct moustache, back brown with indistinct buffy bars. ♂ Call: ki ki ki similar to Eurasian kestrel. Measurement: ♂ Total Length – 255 (10”); Wing Length – 195; Tail Length – 111; ♀ Bill Length – 21; Tarsus Length – 34; Wingspan – 560 (22”); ♀ Total Length – 330 (13”); Wing Length – 223; Tail Length – 132; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 38; Wingspan – 635 (25”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – pacificus Luzon (1 record at Calamba, Province, 28 Nov 1928). Status: CITES II, Migrant - Accidental

Oriental Falco severus

Habits: seen in pairs or family groups; perches on tall dead trees in large clearings along forest edges up to 2100 m. Flies from perch in pursuit of birds, bats, and insects, in fast, direct flight catching prey in air. Description: head, face, wings and tail black; back and rump blackish grey; short square tail and pointed wings. Call: a rapid killy killy killy or klee klee klee. Measurement : ♂ Total Length – 263 (10¼”); Wing Length – 213; Tail Length – 94; Bill Length – 21; Tarsus Length – 36; Wingspan – 610 (24”); ♀ Total Length – 305 (12”); Wing Length – 252; Tail Length – 110; Bill Length – 25; Tarsus Length – 37; Wingspan – 685 (27”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – severus Bohol, Cebu, Culion, Dinagat, Jolo, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Romblon, Sibuyan, Siquijor, and Tawi-Tawi. Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

9 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Order Falconiformes

Family Falconidae

Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo

“ European hobby”, ”Northern hobby” (Eng)

Habits: inhabits open areas with some trees, often found close to rivers and wetlands and in more urban environments. Hunts at dusk using its rapid and acrobatic flight to out-maneuver even the most agile prey. Its diet consists of flying insects and small birds usually eaten during flight. Description: small, slender, long square tail and scythe-like (crescent) wings; pale throat, double peaked cheeks contrasted with a bold dark moustache; short, thin white streak above the eye. Measurement: Length – 28-36cm; wingspan: 69-84cm; ♂ wt: 131-232g; ♀ wt: 141-340g. Range: North Tanay; Bancauan ; San Miguel Islands; , Tawi-tawi; Ursula Island, Palawan; and , . Status: CITES II, Migrant

Family Accipitridae

Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus

“Black vulture”, “ Monk vulture” (Eng)

Habits: prefers hilly, mountainous areas; often associated with undisturbed remote areas with limited disturbance. Forages for carcasses over various kinds of terrain. Description: distinctly dark, whole body is dark brown, with a pale head among adults. A small skull, massive blue-gray bill capable of tearing open tough carcass skins and break bones and ribs to access the flesh of large . Large wings with serrated leading edges, slightly arched in flight, often referred to as “barn door wings.” Measurement: length: 98-120cm; wingspan: 2.5-3.1m; Range: Batan Island, Batanes (recorded once on 8 September 2002). Status: CITES Appendix II, Migrant (accidental?)

Order Strigiformes

Family Tytonidae

Grass Tyto capensis

“Kuwagong Talahib” (Pil); “Ngiwngiw” (Vis)

Habits: fairly common in grasslands and cane fields but may be found in towns and cities in appropriate habitat. Nocturnal, but maybe seen foraging at twilight, flying low over grasslands and clearings. Description: medium large, has no ear tufts, but with a distinctive heart-shaped facial white disc with a black spot before the eye; Under parts white with white lightly barred tail and unique facial pattern. Call: a multi-syllable ngiw-ngiw-ngiw-ngiw… plus distinctive loud screech. Measurement: Total length – 395 (15½”); Wing Length – 330; Tail Length – 120; Bill Length – 46; Tarsus Length – 83; Wingspan – 1120 (44”). Range: Philippines (1 race) – amauronota (endemic) Basilan, Batan, Biliran, Cagayan Sulu, Calamianes, Calauit, Cebu, Ivojos, Jolo, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Pujada, Sabtang, Sibuyan (Goodman et al. 1995), and Siquijor. Status: CITES II, Resident – Fairly Common

10 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Family Phodilidae

Oriental -owl Phodilus badius

Habits: during the day sits upright in posture imitating broken branches and trunks of trees. Description: unique facial dics extending into ears and facial tufts near eyes, chestnut upperparts, and pinkish buff under parts. Call: a soft hoot hooh-weeyoo or gives a mournful whistle kwankwit-kwankwit- kek-kek-kek. while flying at night. Measurement: Total length – 282 (11”); Wing Length – 222; Tail Length – 86; Bill Length – 31; Tarsus Length – 51 Range: Philippines (1 race) – badius Samar (1 record, on 9 June 1924). Status: CITES II, Resident? - Rare

Family Strigidae

Mindanao scops-owl Otus mirus

Habits: found in mid-mountain and montane forests above 1000m; feeds largely on insects. Description: tiny, with ear tufts, more rufous coloration, yellow eye color with orange cast and unfeathered legs. Call: a far-carrying whistle paw piaw repeated every 10 to 15 sec. Measurement: Total length – 163 (6½”); Wing Length – 127; Tail Length – 55; Bill Length – 19; Tarsus Length – 25. ♂ averages larger than ♀. Range (Monotypic) : – Mindanao (Mts Apo, Hilong-Hilong, and Kitanglad (FMNH 357428). Status: CITES II, Endemic - Uncommon

Order Strigiformes

Family Strigidae

Mindoro scops-owl Otus mindorensis

Habits: restricted to montane forests above 1200 m only on Mt. Halcon. Poorly known. No other scops-owl known from Mindoro. Description: tiny, with ear tufts mottled dark reddish brown and dark brown above, lighter below. Broad, poorly defined collar. Call: a soft, delicate po-wo or wo-wo repeated every 8 to 10 sec often from several min. Measurement: Total length – 170 (6¾”); Wing Length – 130; Tail Length – 63; Bill Length – 18; Tarsus Length – 25. Range: (Monotypic) – Mindoro (Only known from Mt. Halcon). Status: CITES II, Endemic - Common

11 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Mantanani scops-owl Otus mantananensis

Habits: restricted to small islands where it can be found in all forest types including coconut plantations. Description: medium, with ear tufts; facial disc rufous, black bristles form dark moustache. Rufous throat with fine black streaks, legs feathered to near toes. Call: is a goose-like honk or a honk followed by 3 lower pitched gruff notes. Measurement: Total length – 230 (9”); Wing Length – 165; Tail Length – 80; Bill Length – 23; Tarsus Length – 33. Range: Philippines (4 races) – mantananensis (resident) birds believed to be of this race on small islets off south of Palawan including Rasa and Ursula; cuyensis (endemic) Cuyo, Dicabaito, and Linapacan; romblonis (endemic) Banton, Romblon, Semirara, Sibuyan, Tablas, and Tres Reyes; sibutuensis (endemic) Sibutu and Tumindao. Status: CITES II, Near Endemic – Fairly Common

Order Strigiformes

Family Strigidae

Luzon scops-owl Otus longicornis

“Botbot Kuwaw” (Pil); Kuwago (Tag);

Habits: found in sub-montane and montane mossy forest, mixed pine and rain forests above 1000m; perches in understory and can be approached quite closely. Description: largest of 3 spp; mottled tan eye stripe from forehead through lores to inside web of ear tuft forming a “V” from front; orange red eyes. Call: a harsh oiik oiik oiik ooik lasting about 4 sec, repeated irregularly, most often at dark or before 1st light. Measurement: ♀ Total length – 280 (11”); Wing Length – 190; Tail Length – 95; Bill Length – 29; Tarsus Length – 39; In all races ♀ larger than ♂. Range: Catanduanes, Luzon, and Marinduque. Painting courtesy of Hector Miranda Status: CITES II, Endemic – Common

Visayas scops-owl Otus nigorum

“Bukao” (Vis)

Habits: prefers forests and forest edges in the lowlands below 1000m. Description: lightest with rufous crown and face. Measurement: ♀: Total length – 198 (7¾”); Wing Length – 143; Tail Length – 74; Bill Length – 23; Tarsus Length – 28 Range: Negros and Panay (CMNH 34172). Status: CITES II, Endemic – Common

12 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Mindanao lowland scops-owl Otus everetti

Habits: prefers mid-montane and mossy forests above 1000 m where it feeds mostly on insects; tends to sit high up in dense canopies of trees and bamboo. Description: darker and smaller than Luzon and scops-owl; blackish brown crown and face; has burnt orange eyes and prominent ear tufts. Call: a far-carrying whistle paw piaww nearly 2 sec with 0.5 intervals between notes and repeated every 10-15 sec. Measurement: ♀ Total length – 223 (8¾”); Wing Length – 166; Tail Length – 77; Bill Length – 26; Tarsus Length – 32; Range: Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar; Status: CITES II, Endemic – Common

Family Strigidae

Palawan scops-owl Otus fuliginosus

Habits: found in original forests, second growth and trees in mixed cultivation in the lowlands. Stays in dense understory, keeping quite low to the ground. Description: collared owl with ear tufts, facial disc rufous, forehead blackish brown; line above eye continuing to inner edge of ear tufts whitish. Call: a deep, harsh growl wach grarhrhrh or wach waaarwwwhhh with a short pause between the 2 notes. Despite its tone, call is hard to hear even when close to the . Measurement: Total length – 197 (7¾”); Wing Length – 140; Tail Length – 69; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 27. Range: (Monotypic) – Palawan. Status: CITES II, Endemic – Uncommon

Ryukyu scops-owl Otus elegans

“Bantuluk” (Ivatan)

Habits: restricted to small islands where it is frequently heard and seen in forests and forest edges at all elevations. Description: small, lores and line above eye white; facial disc brown speckled with white and dark brown; facial ruff cinnamon bordered by dark brown. Call: a soft, hoot-like poo-pup or pooo poo-pup. In the second call there is a 1 sec pause between the first note and the 2-syllable note. Sometimes the pooo is repeated by itself. Measurement: Total length – 218 (8½”); Wing Length – 162; Tail Length – 79; Bill Length – 22; Tarsus Length – 32. Range: Philippines (1 race) – calayensis (endemic) Batan, Calayan and Sabtang. Status: CITES II Resident – Fairly Common

13 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Philippine scops-owl Otus megalotis

Habits: commonly found in forests and forest edges in the lowlands below 1000 m and in pine forests up to 2000 m. Description: plumage variable; orange red eyes Call: a harsh oiik oiik oiik ooik lasting about 4 sec, repeated irregularly, most often at dark or before 1st light. Measurement: ♀- Total length= 280 (11”); Wing Length= 190; Tail Length= 95; Bill Length= 29; Tarsus Length= Length= 39. Range: Catanduanes, Luzon and Marinduque. Status: CITES II, Endemic – Common

Order Strigiformes

Family Strigidae

Philippine eagle-owl Bubo philippensis

“Kuwago” (Pil)

Habits: lives in forests and forest edges in the lowlands, often near rivers and lakes and in coconut plantations with patches of second growth. Description: large and bulky with floppy, rather inconspicuous ear tufts and huge yellow eyes. Races differ in size and color; philippensis is smaller with rufous under parts; mindanensis’ larger with dark brown under parts. Call: a plaintive aheeehhh or eeehhh repeated at 4 sec or a low, deep hoo-hoo- hoo… at 4 hoos per sec over 10 to 15 sec. Measurement: Total length – 508 (20”); Wing Length – 360; Tail Length – 168; Bill Length – 52; Tarsus Length – 66. ♀ may average larger than ♂. Range (2 races): – philippensis Catanduanes and Luzon; mindanensis Bohol (Brooks and Dutson 1997), Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar. mindanensis Status: CITES II, Vulnerable, Endemic - Uncommon

Giant scops-owl Mimizuku gurneyi

Habits: lives in forests and forest edges usually foraging high in the understory; has also been found in small clumps of trees in grasslands, far away from forests. Description: facial disc rufous, buff white eye stripe from lores to inside web of ear tuft forming a “V” from front. Call: a loud, explosive single wokkk, waookk or raspier owwwkkk usually given infrequently. Measurement: ♂ Total length – 305 (12”); Wing Length – 230; Tail Length – 93; Bill Length – 31; Tarsus Length – 44; Ear tufts 42; ♀ Total length – 379 (15”); Wing Length – 254; Tail Length – 125; Bill Length – 38; Tarsus Length – 52; Ear tufts – 44. Range: (Monotypic) – Dinagat, Siargao, and Mindanao. Status: CITES I, Vulnerable, Endemic – fairly common

14 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Short-eared owl Asio flammeus

Habits: forages for small rodents during twilight and sometimes during the day flying low over marshes and grasslands. Description: with small inconspicuous ear tufts; note black area around eyes and heavily streaked under parts. In flight, under wing is light with a dark patch at bend of wing. Call: unknown Measurement: Total length – 380 (15”); Wing Length – 298; Tail Length – 135; Bill Length – 29; Tarsus Length – 40. Range: (1 race) – flammeus Luzon (30 December 1927 at Obando, ; 20 November 1981 in on spoil area at Bay); Mindanao (1 record, no details); Mindoro (6 and 22 January 1972 at San Agustin); Olango (March 1992 (Magsalay et al. 1993); and Palawan (9 December 1968 at Iwahig). Status: CITES II, Migrant - Rare

Order Strigiformes

Family Strigidae

Spotted wood-owl Strix seloputo

“Gok-gok” (Batak, Tagbanua); “Kuwago” (Pil)

Habits: found in cultivated and forested lowlands, roosting high up in canopy. Unmistakable within its range as it is the only large owl in the forests of Palawan. Description: large, earless, facial disc chestnut with edge of disc dark brown barred with chestnut; upper parts dark reddish brown with twin white spots on each . Call: a deep resonant, rising beloop or hoop-hoong, or hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo; also growls. Measurement: Total length – 432 (17”); Wing Length – 320; Tail Length – 175; Bill Length – 35; Tarsus Length – 53. ♀ averages larger than ♂. Range: (1 race) – wiepkeni (endemic) Busuanga, and Palawan. Status: CITES II, Resident - Uncommon

Brown hawk-owl Ninox scutulata

Habits: found in forests and second growth usually below 1000 m. Description: Earless. Races differ in size- randi is the largest, palawensis the smallest. Rich reddish brown, heavily streaked under parts for randi; Call: a clear boo-wup repeated every 2 sec. Measurement: Total length – 305 (12”); Wing Length – 228; Tail Length – 124; Bill Length – 25; Tarsus Length – 30. Range: (4 races) – palawanensis (endemic) Palawan; randi (endemic) Basilan, Cebu, Luzon, Marinduque, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, and Siquijor; japonica (migrant) Basilan, Batan (NMP 3909), Bongao, Calayan, Camiguin Norte, Cebu, randi Cuyo, Fuga, Guimaras, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Sanga Sanga, Siquijor, and Tawi-Tawi; florensis (migrant) Calayan, Jolo, Luzon, and Mindanao; subsp. Fuga. Status: CITES II, Resident/Migrant - Uncommon

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Cebu hawk-owl Ninox rumseyi

“Bukao” “Bukaw” (Vis.)

Habits: found in the forested areas of Cebu Description: medium to large, with long tarsi, small bill, prominently round-headed, mostly barred above, ear coverts have short filamentous extensions, prominent short white supercilia (eyebrows). Call: mid-pitched, irregular strophes delivered rapidly and irregularly, gruff staccato chucks and plaintive short down slurs, KYeur djuk KYeur djuk KYeur Measurement: Tail length=98.5; Tarsus length=38.4; Wing length=195. Range: confined to the last tiny fragments of remaining native forests of Cebu. Photo courtesy of Godfrey Jakosalem Status: “likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al.,)

Order Strigiformes

Family Strigidae

Camiguin hawk-owl Ninox leventisi

Habits: lives in the small island of Camiguin Sur. Description: first known owl with grey or whitish eyes; large, with long deep bill; ear coverts have short filamentous extensions visible only at close range; very distinct regularly buffed crown; large white throat patch with a few narrow dark Painting by John Gale streaks extends to top of breast. Measurement: culmen from cere=16.2mm, wing=187mm, tarsus=37.8, tail=90mm (Balete et. al. 2006); culmen from cere=16.3mm, wing=181mm, tarsus=32.6mm, tail=105.4mm (Rabor, 1969); Call: begins with a few sporadic, very soft, very low mid-length gruff notes then turns into as low very hoarse growl, buk buk burrrrrrrr CUR CURr CURur CUR CURur CUR CUR BOO BOOR BU’U Range: Catarman Mountain, Catarman, Camiguin Prov, Camiguin Sur Island, 17 June 1968; Mt. Timpong, Matugnao, (13 June 1969 Rabor DS); Status: “likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012)

Sulu hawk-owl Ninox reyi

“Lukluk” (Tawi-Tawi)

Habits: found in forest edges, and large trees in the vicinity of villages. Description: very pronounced even barring on head and breast; prominently barred crown; very small white eyebrows; shorter, less apparent ear covert extensions; bright white, well-marked throat patch; mustard yellow iris, with pale greenish yellow outer ring; dull greenish yellow bill; dark claws. Measurement: Tawi-Tawi: tail length=92.9-107.5; tarsus length=31.9-39.4; wing length=172-195.10; Sibutu: tail length=88.7; tarsus length=34.7; wing length=173; Call: a hollow wooden knocking, usually in duetted short strophes of a few to several secs kt kt kt kt kt kt kt KRT KRT KRT KLAK KLAK KLAK KRT KRT KRT KRT KRT KRT TOK TOK! Range: Sulu, Siasi, Tawi-Tawi and the adjacent Sanga Sanga and Bongao, Painting by John Gale Sibutu. Painting by John Gale Status: “likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012)

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Mindoro hawk-owl Ninox mindorensis

Habits: found in tall primary and secondary forests of Mindoro. Description: top of head and nape barred with buff; under parts are tawny buff, transversely barred with brown; yellow iris color, mustard inner, lemon colored outer; small prominent white supercilia (eyebrow); bill is pale dull yellow, sides greener; tail barring is denser; Measurement: Tail length= 74.1-91.7; Tarsus length=24.2-36.1; Wing length=154- 176.25; Call: high-pitched long whistles often ending with a screech, and often starting N. mindorensis-dark with tittering high toots.

Painting by John Gale Photo courtesy of R.O. Hutchinson Range: lowland forests of Penal Colony, Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, National Park and Mt. Halcon between 1150-1250m. Status: “ likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012)

Family Strigidae

Mindanao hawk-owl Ninox spilocephala

Habits: found in forest areas up to 1800 metres, although they mostly reside in areas below 1000 metres above sea level. Description: small, short tail, compact and sleek plumage, very small head, indistinct white patch between eye and supercilia (eyebrow), vaguely speckled ears, filamentous ear extensions very long and profuse, more so than any other taxon. Measurement: tail length= 68.3-82.7; tarsus length= 25.5-33.2; wing length= 162- 181.26. Call: very slow, long, mellow dove-like notes, singly or in couplets. Starts with a slightly slurred hUUUu notes that eventually become longer, with the addition of an initial very soft low segment oohUUUu, then a short final element after a short pause oohUUUu huu. Painting by John Gale Range: Mindanao, Dinagat, Siargao, and Basilan Status: “ likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012)

Romblon hawk-owl Ninox spilonata

Habits: found in the forested areas of Tablas, Sibuyan and Cebu. Description: overall color of “fulvous brown” above with light rufous speckling from head to mantle and wing-coverts; tail nearly black with 9 clearly discernible pale bands and 10 dark ones; Measurement: Tablas- Tail length= 96.1; Tarsus length= 30.2; wing length= 188; Sibuyan- tail length= 18.3-30.5; tarsus length= 31.2-34.4; wing length= 185-202.12; Call: long slow series of short steeply falling wistful whiny whistles FYew often changing into a hoarse version of FYursh finally into 3 or 4 note versions of tut TUT TIYiew-hut;

Painting by John Gale Range: Cebu, Tablas and Sibuyan. Status: “ likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012) Photo courtesy of Marc Thibault

17 Field Guide: Raptors in the Philippines

Luzon hawk-owl Ninox philippensis

Kuwago (Pil)

Habits: noticeable by its loud, repetitious call after dark in primary and secondary forests including remnant patches. Description: small, compact , sleek plumage, prominent head, buff-tinged whitish eyebrows; throat narrowly white, with fine dark streaks. Measurement: Tail length= 72.4-92.2; Tarsus length=26.9-36; Wing length=164- 190.26 Call: begins quietly with a single, short rather sharp cuk ; the series becomes louder then soft, lower-pitched notes as in boo CUK and bu-bu CUK Range: Biliran, Buad, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Polillo, Masbate, Ticao, Mindoro. Status: “ likely to be at risk” (Rasmussen et. al., 2012) Painting by John Gale Photo courtesy of R.J. Quisumbing

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