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ISLANDS, ENDEMICS & EXOTIC WILDLIFE
Philippines: Mindanao & The Philippines Eagle
Journey to Mindanao in search of the magnificent Philippine Eagle and the remarkable birds that share its island home. With two full days devoted to eagle watching near Mount Kitanglad, followed by forest birding in Compostela and Davao, this focused adventure offers opportunities for rare endemics, colorful forest specialties, and exceptional Asian migrants. Join Dion Hobcroft and a local leader for an exploration of one of the Philippines’ most rewarding birding destinations.
Tour Overview
Feb 28–Mar 8, 2027
Feb 28–Mar 8, 2028
Few birds command the imagination quite like the Philippine Eagle. Immense, powerful, and found only in the Philippines, this extraordinary raptor is the centerpiece of our journey to Mindanao. Improved access to its forest habitat makes it possible to search for the eagle without the arduous camping expeditions once associated with this remarkable bird.
We begin near Mount Kitanglad, where two full days in the Cinchona area provide time to scan forested slopes and treetops for an eagle soaring above its territory or, with good fortune, resting on an exposed perch. Patience is part of the experience, and the surrounding forests offer plenty to hold our attention: Mindanao Hornbill, Apo Myna, Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis, and a host of other Philippine specialties. Evening outings may reveal Philippine Frogmouth and several endemic scops-owls.
Continuing to Compostela, we explore forests known for Lina’s Sunbird and an enticing selection of Mindanao endemics. Here, mixed feeding flocks may bring Black-and-cinnamon Fantail, Mindanao Heleia, and Flame-crowned Flowerpecker into view, while more elusive possibilities include Bagobo Robin and Mindanao Brown-Dove.
Our final birding destination is Davao, where wooded resort grounds, orchards, ponds, and streams offer opportunities for Southern Silvery Kingfisher, Cryptic Flycatcher, and Whiskered Flowerpecker. We will also follow local reports in hopes of finding Japanese Night-Heron and, during our journey to Davao, the exceptionally rare Chinese Crested Tern.
Led by Dion Hobcroft and a local leader, this small-group departure combines expert field guidance with time to appreciate Mindanao’s distinctive birdlife. Accommodations range from comfortable hotels to one basic overnight stay in Compostela. The tour may be taken independently or paired with Philippines Highlights, subject to confirmation of connecting departure arrangements.
Tour Highlights
Spend two full days searching for the Philippine Eagle from forest viewpoints near Mount Kitanglad.
Explore Mindanao’s distinctive birdlife, including endemics that complement our Philippines Highlights itinerary.
Search Compostela’s forests for Lina’s Sunbird, Flame-crowned Flowerpecker, and other mountain specialties.
Enjoy opportunities for nocturnal birding, with Philippine Frogmouth and endemic scops-owls among our targets.
Follow local reports for Chinese Crested Tern and Japanese Night-Heron.
Travel with Dion Hobcroft and a local leader in a group limited to eight guests.
Ecosystems Experienced
Mindanao is one of the most ecologically diverse islands in the Philippines, shaped by lowland tropical forests, high-elevation mossy and montane forests, river valleys, wetlands, and coastal zones. Large sections of the interior rise into rugged mountains, where cooler, moisture-rich cloud forests cloak steep ridges and deep ravines. The lowlands support humid evergreen forest, agricultural mosaics, and areas of secondary growth, while the coastal margins incorporate mangroves, estuaries, and coral-rich shorelines. Across these gradients, Mindanao hosts a high level of biological richness, reflecting the island’s tropical climate, varied topography, and complex geological history.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Mindanao maintains consistently warm tropical temperatures throughout the year. Lowland areas often experience daytime highs in the 80s–90s °F (27–34 °C), with nights remaining mild. Higher elevations offer cooler conditions, where evening and early-morning temperatures can drop noticeably, creating a refreshing contrast to the heat of the lowlands.
Rainfall
Rainfall is abundant and frequent, typical of a humid tropical island. Patterns vary across Mindanao, but many regions receive regular showers, occasional heavier bursts, and high humidity year-round. Mountainous areas experience more persistent moisture, with cloud cover and mist common at higher elevations. Although dry periods do occur, conditions can shift quickly between sunshine and passing rain.
Seasons
Mindanao lies outside the Philippines’ most pronounced monsoon extremes, resulting in less sharply defined seasons compared to northern islands. Instead, the island experiences a broadly wet, humid climate throughout the year, with subtle transitions rather than dramatic changes. Periods of lighter rainfall are interspersed with times of increased precipitation, but warm temperatures and lush vegetation remain constant, creating favorable conditions for tropical birding in many months.
Key Species
Philippine Eagle
Mindanao Hornbill
Mindanao Scops-Owl
Leader
+ Local Leader
Dion Hobcroft
Primary Leader
Australian naturalist and senior tour leader with over 40 years of field experience and unmatched expertise in the birds and wildlife of the Asia-Pacific region.
Read MoreItinerary
Click here to download the 2027 itinerary PDF
Day 1
Depart for the Philippines
Depart the United States for Manila, crossing the International Date Line.
Depending on your flight schedule, departure on February 27 may be necessary to arrive in time for the March 1 welcome meeting.
Day 2
Arrive in Manila
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and meet our local representative for your hotel transfer.
Settle in before joining your leaders and fellow travelers for a 7:00 p.m. welcome and orientation meeting.
Day 3
Manila to Mindanao & Cinchona
Fly to Cagayan de Oro and drive toward the Cinchona birding area, stopping for interesting birds along the way.
Settle into our hotel in Valencia, with afternoon forest birding as time permits.
Day 4
Cinchona & the Philippine Eagle
Watch from forest viewpoints for Philippine Eagle, scanning the canopy and sky with binoculars and spotting scopes.
Search for forest specialties such as Mindanao Hornbill, Apo Myna, and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis.
An evening outing may offer opportunities for Philippine Frogmouth and endemic scops-owls.
Day 5
A Second Day in Cinchona
Devote another full day to the eagle search, adjusting our efforts to weather and bird activity.
Explore forest roads and trails for Philippine Trogon, Blue-capped Kingfisher, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, and other specialties.
Watch for additional raptors, including Philippine Serpent-Eagle and Pinsker’s Hawk-Eagle.
Day 6
Cinchona to Compostela
Enjoy a final morning of birding near Cinchona before the approximately four-hour drive to Compostela.
Search the forest for Lina’s Sunbird, Flame-crowned Flowerpecker, and mixed flocks of Mindanao endemics.
Keep watch for elusive possibilities such as Bagobo Robin, Mindanao Brown-Dove, and Red-eared Parrotfinch.
Day 7
Compostela to Davao
Begin with morning birding for remaining Compostela specialties before driving toward Davao.
Stop along the coast to search for Chinese Crested Tern, following recent local reports.
Explore Eden Nature Park for Japanese Night-Heron if present, with an evening search for Giant Scops-Owl.
Day 8
Davao Birding & Return to Manila
Bird the resort’s wooded grounds for Cryptic Flycatcher, Whiskered Flowerpecker, and Southern Silvery Kingfisher.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Manila.
Return to SEDA Manila Bay for the evening; onward arrangements for travelers joining Philippines Highlights will be coordinated by VENT.
Day 9
Depart Manila
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Travelers returning to the United States typically arrive the same calendar day.
What’s Included
Accommodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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