Notes on Food Habits and Breeding and Nestling Behavior of Philippine Eagles in Mount Apo Natural Park, Mindanao, Philippines

  • Camille Concepcion Philippine Eagle Foundation
  • Margaret Sulapas University of the Philippines Mindanao
  • Jayson C. Ibañez Philippine Eagle Foundation

Abstract

Food habits and diurnal activities of the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Mount Apo Natural Park, Toril District, Davao City were documented. A total of 73 different prey items were observed to be delivered to the nest and 68 of these were identified. Of the 12 prey species identified, six were the first time records for Philippine Eagles, namely the coleto, pit viper, water snake and three were domestic animals (chicken, cat, dog). The bulk (63%) of observed adult behaviors were maintenance activities such as preening or feeding. In addition, adults also performed other social behaviors with the chick. The chick spent most of its time in general maintenance (54%), although sleeping (5%), resting while awake (31%), playing (2%), flapping (1%), and socializing with parents (>1%) were also observed. Eight percent of feeding was assisted by the parents; the rest of the time the chick fed itself. The potential issue for conservation caused by predation of domestic animals is not expected to be a problem at this nest because of previous community education and favorable attitudes toward the eagles. However, similar predation by other nesting pairs poses potential trouble unless community education addresses the matter.

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