By Kenneth Marcos 
Late one evening in Pasay City, residents were surprised to find an unusual bird lying weak on the ground after a loud thud was heard near a building window. The mysterious bird, with its large feathered “ears” and wide eyes, quickly caught attention. Concerned citizens acted fast, helping rescue the rare visitor before it could suffer further harm.
The bird was later identified as a Great Eared Nightjar, sometimes called the “Dragon Bird” because of its striking appearance. The wildlife was voluntarily surrendered to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Metropolitan Environmental Office – West in Barangay 183, Pasay City after it accidentally hit a building window and fell to the ground.
According to reports, the bird collided with the glass window of a building in the city, which likely caused it to lose balance and drop to the ground. Residents quickly brought the bird to the barangay office to ensure it would receive proper attention and protection. The barangay then coordinated with the DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office – West for proper wildlife handling and evaluation.
Responding to the report, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Unit of MEO–West immediately conducted an inspection. Environmental Protection Coordinators Richard Lopez and Ildefonso Ida examined the condition of the bird. Their initial assessment showed that the nightjar was weak and had an injury on its left wing, likely caused by the impact with the building and the fall that followed.
To ensure proper care, the bird was prepared for immediate transfer to the Biodiversity Management Bureau Wildlife Rescue Center. At the facility, trained wildlife experts will provide medical treatment and rehabilitation. The goal is to restore the bird’s strength and health so it can safely return to its natural habitat once it fully recovers.
The Great Eared Nightjar, scientifically known as Lyncornis macrotis, is a nocturnal bird species. This means it is most active at night. It is easily recognized by its large ear-like feather tufts on the sides of its head, which give it a distinctive and almost mythical appearance. Because of this unique look, some people refer to it as a “Dragon Bird.”
This species is commonly found in forested areas across South and Southeast Asia. It plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance because it feeds mainly on insects. By hunting insects at night, the bird helps control pest populations naturally, which benefits both forests and nearby farming areas.
Although the Great Eared Nightjar is currently classified globally as a species of Least Concern, environmental authorities continue to stress the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. Rapid urban development and the gradual loss of forest areas can affect many wildlife species, forcing them to move closer to cities where they face new risks such as building collisions and habitat loss.
Incidents like this also highlight the importance of community awareness. The quick action of residents and barangay officials helped ensure the injured bird received immediate care from wildlife experts.
The DENR continues to encourage the public to report injured or captured wildlife to local authorities instead of keeping them as pets or releasing them without proper assessment. Responsible reporting helps ensure that animals receive the right treatment and are returned safely to the wild.
As cities continue to grow, stories like this remind communities that wildlife still shares the same environment. Protecting animals, even those that appear unexpectedly in urban areas, is part of preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
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