Philippines Birding Tours
The Philippine Archipelago (more commonly known simply as the Philippines) is a remarkable collection of over 7000 individual islands. From a birding point of view, it uniquely combines influences from tropical south-east Asia and the more temperate parts of the continent (Japan, China and Korea). However, about a third of the birds are endemic, including some of the most spectacular species on the planet. Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle is the largest eagle on earth, and is reason enough for most wildlife enthusiasts to visit this island nation. This critically endangered bird (see BirdLife International) has a world population of just a few hundred, and as the national bird of the Philippines it is an appropriate representative of the disgusting plight of this archipelago’s avifauna. This is, quite simply, one of the “must-visit immediately” countries of the world, since the birds are quite literally going extinct due to massive scale deforestation. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Luzon Bleeding-heart, 17 endemic owl species, six kingfishers, 10 hornbills, 11 parrots, two broadbills, two pittas, Celestial Monarch (which truly does look celestial) and Sulphur-billed Nuthatch are just a few of the over 200 endemic birds that are becoming increasingly out of reach to the birder as each year goes by. If you’re a serious birder, we strongly advise that you visit the Philippines, but do it now before it’s gone.
