Close-up of a Yellow-headed water monitor (Varanus cumingi).

The yellow-headed water monitor , also commonly known as the Philippine water monitor or Cuming's water monitor, is a large species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. ''Varanus cumingi'' was previously recognized as a subspecies of the water monitor , but today is acknowledged as a species in its own right. It feeds on birds, fish, mammals, and carrion. The species thrives in forest and water margins in tropical refuges.