Both the Golden Eagle and the Philippine Eagle are large birds of prey, but which species is bigger? In this article, we will compare the size, wingspan, weight, diet, habitat, and other features of these two impressive eagles to determine which is the larger of the two.
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) are among the largest eagles in the world. Both are powerful apex predators in their respective ranges.
The Golden Eagle has a Holarctic distribution, with populations in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is one of the most widespread raptors in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Philippine Eagle is endemic to the Philippines and is restricted to the islands of Mindanao, Leyte, Samar and Luzon. It is considered the largest and most powerful forest raptor in the world.
In this article, we will compare the size, morphology, ecology, and conservation status of these two magnificent birds of prey to determine which species is indeed the larger of the two eagles.
Size Comparison
The Philippine Eagle is generally considered to be the larger of the two species. Key size parameters include:
- Length: The Philippine Eagle measures 86–102 cm long, compared to 66–84 cm in the Golden Eagle.
- Wingspan: The wingspan of a Philippine Eagle ranges from 184–220 cm, while the Golden Eagle’s wingspan is 185–220 cm.
- Weight: The Philippine Eagle weighs 4.5–8 kg. The Golden Eagle generally weighs 3–6.3 kg.
Based on typical measurements, the Philippine Eagle averages larger than the Golden Eagle in all three key size parameters. However, there is some overlap in wingspans and considerable variation within both species. Some of the largest Golden Eagles can weigh up to 7.5 kg, rivaling smaller Philippine Eagles.
Direct Size Comparison
Species | Length (cm) | Wingspan (cm) | Weight (kg) |
---|---|---|---|
Philippine Eagle | 86-102 | 184-220 | 4.5-8 |
Golden Eagle | 66-84 | 185-220 | 3-6.3 |
Based on typical size ranges, the Philippine Eagle exceeds the Golden Eagle in length and weight. Wingspans are similar between the species with considerable overlap. However, Philippine Eagles over 7 kg are regularly reported, while Golden Eagles over the same mass are considered exceptional. Overall, the Philippine Eagle averages larger in linear dimensions and mass.
Morphology and Appearance
In addition to linear measurements, the two species differ in physical appearance and proportions:
- The Philippine Eagle has longer and thicker legs and larger talons than the Golden Eagle. Its toes and claws are among the largest of any extant eagle.
- The Philippine Eagle has a relatively longer tail and shorter wings compared to the Golden Eagle. This gives it a different silhouette in flight.
- The Philippine Eagle has a larger head and longer, thicker bill than the Golden Eagle. The bill also has a more pronounced arched culmen.
- Plumage differs between the species. The Philippine Eagle is mostly dark brown with a pale cream head and underparts. The Golden Eagle is brown overall with golden wash on the head and nape.
The Philippine Eagle’s larger body size is also evident in its skeleton. It has a more robust, heavy build compared to the Golden Eagle. Its broad chest cavity can accommodate larger prey items.
In essence, the Philippine Eagle averages both larger and bulkier than the Golden Eagle, with a stockier build and more robust bones and talons. The Golden Eagle has a slimmer, more streamlined profile optimized for soaring flight.
Diet and Hunting
The larger size of the Philippine Eagle equips it to take a wider range of prey, including relatively large animals. Its diet includes:
- Arboreal mammals like monkeys, flying lemurs, civets, and other arboreal mammals
- Large birds like hornbills, parrots, and pheasants
- Reptiles such as snakes and monitor lizards
- Potamodromous fish and crustaceans which migrate into forests
In contrast, the Golden Eagle mainly preys on medium-sized birds and mammals including:
- Rabbits and hares
- Foxes and coyotes
- Large birds like cranes and herons
- Reptiles, amphibians and other small animals
The Philippine Eagle occasionally hunts prey up to the size of Philippine deer. The Golden Eagle takes prey up to around 5 kg, limited by its smaller foot span and carrying capacity. Clearly, the larger Philippine Eagle can overwhelm bigger prey on average.
Largest Known Prey
Species | Largest Known Prey |
---|---|
Philippine Eagle | Philippine deer, 12 kg |
Golden Eagle | Mountain hare, 3.5 kg |
In summary, the Philippine Eagle is equipped to hunt much larger prey than the Golden Eagle. Its massive claws and talons combined with greater size and strength give it a predatory advantage over the smaller Golden Eagle.
Habitat and Range
The habitats and ranges of these eagles also differ significantly:
- The Philippine Eagle is endemic to forested and mountainous areas of the Philippines.
- The Golden Eagle has an extensive Holarctic distribution across North America, Eurasia and parts of North Africa.
- Philippine Eagles mainly inhabit dense tropical and subtropical forests.
- Golden Eagles occupy more open habitats like mountains, moorlands, grasslands, and arid canyons.
- The Philippine Eagle has a global population of only 180-500 pairs restricted to fragments of Philippine forests.
- Golden Eagles have a relatively healthy global population estimated at 150,000-250,000 pairs.
Clearly, the Philippine Eagle has a much smaller, fragmented range and is far rarer globally. The Golden Eagle remains relatively widespread and numerous across its Holarctic range.
Within their forested habitats, Philippine Eagles are supreme apex predators and maintain home ranges of 25-50 km2 or more. Golden Eagles are also dominant predators within open habitats across their range.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of these eagles differs significantly:
- The Philippine Eagle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to its small, declining population.
- The Golden Eagle is classified as Least Concern with a relatively stable global population trend.
- Philippine Eagles are threatened by extensive habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting pressure across the Philippines.
- Golden Eagles face no major range-wide threats, although local populations may be impacted by habitat changes and human activity.
Intensive conservation efforts for the Critically Endangered Philippine Eagle are needed to protect remaining habitat and restrain hunting and persecution. More secure protected areas and community engagement are also crucial.
In contrast, the wide-ranging Golden Eagle remains relatively secure globally. But monitoring and protection of some local populations is beneficial for this powerful raptor.
Conclusion
After comparing size measurements, morphology, diet, habitat use, and conservation status, the Philippine Eagle emerges as the definitively larger of the two species of eagles.
Although the Golden Eagle is a powerful, impressive raptor in its own right, the Philippine Eagle exceeds it in length, weight and foot size. The Philippine Eagle has a stockier, more robust build with larger talons designed to grasp big prey.
The Philippine Eagle dominates larger prey, with verified records of animals up to 12 kg being taken. The Golden Eagle takes smaller mammals and birds no heavier than 5 kg on average.
While the Golden Eagle remains relatively widespread and numerous, the Philippine Eagle is Critically Endangered and faces an array of severe threats across its Philippine range.
In summary, the Philippine Eagle is definitively larger in overall size, takes larger prey, and faces far greater conservation challenges than the Golden Eagle. It is one of the largest and most powerful eagles on Earth.
Both of these majestic raptors are apex predators that play important ecological roles within their ranges. The rarer Philippine Eagle requires extensive conservation intervention to ensure the future of this unique forest eagle restricted to the Philippines.
The Golden Eagle’s relatively secure global status means it serves as an important flagship raptor across the Holarctic region, except in areas where specific populations are threatened by local factors. Both eagles can serve as symbols of wildlife conservation in areas where they occur.
Appreciating and conserving the unique qualities and attributes of both the Philippine Eagle and Golden Eagle will benefit global raptor diversity and ecosystem health. These magnificent apex predators deserve our continued study, admiration and protection.
In comparing the largest representatives of these two eagle species, the Philippine Eagle is bigger in overall size and hunting adaptions. But from a conservation perspective, protecting the future of both eagles ensures we retain the impressive biodiversity of Earth’s eagle species worldwide.
The Philippine Eagle occupies a vital but threatened niche as a forest raptor restricted to the Philippines. Saving this great eagle from extinction warrants intensive conservation action to protect remaining populations and habitat.
Meanwhile the Golden Eagle fulfills a keystone predatory role across the Holarctic region, keeping ecosystems in balance. Maintaining populations of this powerful Northern Hemisphere predator remains important for ecological stability.
When it comes to impressive apex predatory birds, both the Philippine Eagle and Golden Eagle occupy vital ecological niches and inspire awe in those privileged to observe them in the wild. The rarer Philippine Eagle perhaps warrants even greater conservation attention to ensure the survival of this unique, vulnerable giant of the forest.
Though the Golden Eagle remains more widespread and numerous, local threats need to be addressed in areas where specific populations are declining or at risk. Continued conservation protections are beneficial for this iconic Northern Hemisphere raptor.
By highlighting the distinct attributes and conservation needs of both species, we can gain a deeper appreciation of their significance as apex predators within their ranges. With dedicated conservation efforts, future generations can continue to experience and admire these magnificent eagles maintaining their crucial roles within ecosystems.
When comparing the largest examples of each species, the Philippine Eagle is indeed bigger in physical size and power over prey. Both eagles demonstrate important ecological functions where they occur. By understanding their differences and vulnerabilities, we take vital steps toward conserving the impressive biodiversity of our planet for the benefit of both eagles and humans alike.