The African
Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer- is a large species of eagle that is
found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They are
found wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food
supply. The African Fish Eagle is usually seen in pairs and they evenly share
the kills. It is the national bird of Zambia
and Zimbabwe.
Description
The African Fish
Eagle is a large bird, and the female is larger than the male. The adult is
very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body and large, powerful,
black wings. The head, breast, and tail of African Fish Eagles are snow white,
with the exception of the featherless face, which is yellow. The eyes are dark
brown in colour. The hook-shaped beak, ideal for a carnivorous lifestyle, is
yellow with a black tip. The plumage of the juvenile is brown and the eyes are
paler compared to the adult. The feet have rough soles and are equipped with
powerful talons in order to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey.
Call
Its distinctive
cry has become synonymous with the sound of Africa.
It has two distinct calls - in flight or perched, the sound is something like
the American Bald Eagle. When near the nest, its call is more of a 'quock'
sound - the female is a little shriller and less mellow than the male. The call
is a weee-ah, hyo-hyo or a heee-ah, heeah-heeah.
Food
The African Fish
Eagle feeds mainly on fish. It is an opportunistic feeder and may take a wider
variety of prey such as water-birds, reptiles and carrion. They may also raid
colonies of nesting waterbirds for young and eggs.
Breeding
Breeding season
for African Fish Eagles is during the dry season when water levels are low.
African Fish Eagles are believed to mate for life. Pairs will often maintain
two or more nests, which they will frequently re-use.
The female lays 1
to 3 eggs, which are primarily white with a few reddish speckles. Incubation is
mostly done by the female, but the male will incubate when the female leaves to
hunt. Incubation lasts for 42 to 45 days before the chicks hatch. The eggs will
often hatch a few days apart, and the eldest chick will usually kill any
younger chicks. Fledging lasts for 70 to 75 days and after about 8 weeks the
chick is capable of feeding itself and will usually begin to venture outside of
the nest 2 weeks later.
Conservation Status – Least Concern
The estimated
population size is about 300,000 individuals
Bird watching
Widespread in Southern Africa, its habitat is usually limited to larger
rivers, lakes, pans and dams, with enough large trees for it to perch on. These
eagles are also found near coastal lagoons and estuaries. It is most frequently
seen sitting high in a tall tree from where it has a good view of the stretch
of river, lakeshore or coastline, which is its territory.
To see these
magnificent birds of prey book on one of these Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Eastern Cape Birding
Tour / Safari /Adventure.
Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves KZN Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North East
Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North West Birding Tour
/ Safari / Adventure.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast
Birding Tour / Safari /Adventure.