Habitat
Lowland forest, sometimes near watercourses. Disturbed, selectively logged and secondary forest and even coconut plantations with patches of thick secondary growth. From sea-level - 650 m but occasionally up to 1,250 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through logging, conversion to agriculture, soil erosion are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A long series of 'bububububub' calls fading away at the end and high-pitched screams.
Philippine Eagle-Owl (Bubo philippensis) [XC881048]
by Desmond Allen from Morong, Bataan, Central Luzon, Philippines (call)
Philippine Eagle-Owl (Bubo philippensis) [XC473663]
by Jelle Scharringa from San Pedro, Laguna, Calabarzon, Philippines (call)
Subspecies
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
philippensis (Kaup, 1851) - Luzon and Catanduanes.
mindanensis (Ogilvie-Grant, 1906) - Samar, Leyte and Mindanao; recently recorded on Bohol.
Similar Species
Giant Scops-Owl (Otus gurneyi) which is smaller with dark not yellow eyes and has very different vocalisations.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet