PALAWAN EAGLE

White-bellied Sea Eagle for certain - 100%!

Hello. There seems to be a misunderstanding. Lenny made a species ID suggestion of a white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and I seconded that. By virtue of this we don't think your photo is of the endangered and protected Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). My previous comment refers to the white-bellied sea eagle which has a very distinctive look when soaring. Here is an image http://www.australiananimallearningzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Flying-White-Bellied-Sea-Eagle.jpg It is a match for your spotting. The Philippine eagle looks like this while soaring http://www.arkive.org/philippine-eagle/pithecophaga-jefferyi/image-G2527.html and does not have the distinctive sharp black and white borders on its wings and body. I hope this clears up the confusion. :-)

This species is far-ranging and has been rated "Least Concern" by IUCN, so species-wise they are not endangered, although the overall population trend is decreasing. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/106003359/0 Locally on Palawan they could appear uncommon.