New Hope for the Globally Endangered South Philippine Hawk-Eagle: First Active Nest Found in Leyte

By Tristan Luap P. Senarillos

Deep inside the forests of Burauen, Leyte, a quiet discovery has given new hope for one of the Philippines' rarest birds of prey.

For the first time ever, an active nest of the South Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri) has been documented on Leyte Island. Even more remarkable, researchers were able to follow the nesting pair from the moment they began building their nest until their chick successfully took its very first flight.

For conservationists, this is more than just finding a nest, it is a milestone that offers new hope for the future of this globally endangered bird.

A Bird We Knew Was There, but Never Its Nest

The South Philippine Hawk-Eagle lives only in a few islands in the central and southern Philippines. It has long been known to inhabit the forests of Leyte. Birdwatchers, researchers, and local communities have occasionally seen adults soaring above the forest and young birds after they had already left the nest.

These sightings told us the species was breeding somewhere in Leyte.

But despite years of observations, no one had ever found an active nest.

Until now.

A Chance Encounter in the Forest

In November 2025, a team from the Philippine Eagle Foundation, including a biologist, field technician, and local forest guards, was conducting routine fieldwork in the forests of Burauen.

Suddenly, they noticed something unusual.

One hawk-eagle was repeatedly calling from the top of a large native tree locally known as Tiga, its loud two-note whistle echoing through the forest.

Moments later, another hawk-eagle appeared and landed on a nearby tree.

As the team watched through their binoculars, they saw something they had never seen before.

Hidden among the branches was a large stick nest.

Even more exciting, one of the birds was carefully arranging fresh twigs on the nest.

The pair was building their future home.

A pair of South Philippine Hawk-eagles (Nisaetus pinskeri) perched together, a quiet moment with one of the Philippines’ most remarkable raptors.

Giving the Eagles Space

Finding the nest was exciting, but it also came with responsibility.

Birds of prey are especially sensitive while building their nests. Too much disturbance could cause them to abandon the site altogether.

Rather than continue watching, the team made the difficult decision to leave the birds alone and wait.

For nearly two months, they stayed away, hoping the pair would continue nesting successfully.

Waiting for the Big Moment

When the team returned in January 2026, the female was already sitting quietly on the nest, incubating a single egg.

From then on, the researchers observed the nest every day, from sunrise until sunset, using a camouflaged observation blind that allowed them to watch without disturbing the birds.

Field biologist Tristan Luap P. Senarillos keeping an eye on the nest site through the fieldscope, watching, waiting, and documenting every movement in the field.

Patience became part of the job.

For 41 days, there were many long hours when almost nothing seemed to happen. The female rarely moved as she carefully kept the egg warm, while the male occasionally delivered food.

Some days felt uneventful, but the team knew every day mattered.

Then, on March 2, 2026, everything changed.

The egg hatched.

A mother South Philippine Hawk-eagle with her newly hatched eaglet peeking out from beneath her.

Raising a Family

Watching the chick grow revealed the remarkable teamwork between the two parents.

The male became the family's provider, hunting and bringing food back to the nest.

The female stayed close to the chick, protecting it from heavy rain, intense heat, and potential predators. She carefully tore food into small pieces before feeding her young and kept the nest clean by removing leftovers.

Both parents also regularly brought fresh leafy branches to the nest, helping keep it clean and well maintained.

Day by day, the chick grew stronger.

It first lifted its head, then began standing, walking around the nest, and growing its first feathers. Eventually, it started flapping its wings, a sign that its first flight was approaching.

Finally, after 76 days of careful monitoring, the young hawk-eagle spread its wings and made its very first flight on May 17, 2026.

The nesting attempt had been a success.

From a tiny hatchling to a healthy fledgling, now confidently perched on a branch and taking its first steps into the world.

Why This Discovery Matters

This is much more than the discovery of a single nest.

It is the first documented active nest of the South Philippine Hawk-Eagle on Leyte Island and the first ever recorded in Eastern Visayas.

It is also the first time researchers have been able to document the complete nesting cycle of this species, from nest building and egg incubation to hatching and the successful fledging of a chick.

Because so little is known about this endangered bird, every observation helps fill important gaps in our understanding of its life in the wild. These findings will provide valuable information for future conservation efforts and help guide the protection of the species and its remaining forest habitat.

Turning Discovery into Conservation

The discovery has already inspired conservation action.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park has approved four resolutions aimed at protecting the nesting site and the hawk-eagle family.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit of Burauen is preparing an ordinance that would recognize the South Philippine Hawk-Eagle as one of the municipality's flagship species for conservation.

These are encouraging steps that show how scientific discoveries can lead directly to meaningful action for wildlife.

A meaningful moment with the PAMB members of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, united for the conservation of the South Philippine Hawk-eagle.

Looking Ahead

The story does not end with the chick's first flight.

The research team is now preparing scientific papers that will share these findings with the wider conservation community and provide evidence-based recommendations for protecting the species.

Later this year, the team also hopes to begin the first telemetry study of the South Philippine Hawk-Eagle. By fitting GPS transmitters to the adult birds and the young eagle, researchers aim to learn how large their territories are, how they use the forest, and where young birds travel after leaving the nest.

Every new piece of information brings us one step closer to ensuring that this rare and threatened Philippine raptor continues to soar above our forests for generations to come.

PEF team with Hon. Mayor Fe Renomeron of Burauen, Leyte, in support of South Philippine Hawk-eagle conservation.