African Fish Eagle

The African Fish Eagle is a large, boldly patterned eagle closely tied to Africa's lakes and rivers, and is a close relative of the Bald Eagle within the genus Haliaeetus. Adults have a pure white head, neck, and breast that contrast sharply with a rich chestnut-brown body and black flight feathers, along with a white tail.

The bill and cere are yellow with a black tip, and the eyes are dark brown. Its striking appearance and evocative, yelping call have made it a cultural icon across much of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is the national bird of Zambia and South Sudan and appears on the coats of arms of several other nations.

Juveniles are mottled brown overall and take four to five years to acquire full adult plumage.

Key field marks

• Pure white head, chest, and tail contrasting with chestnut-brown body
• Black flight feathers and back
• Yellow bill with black tip and yellow facial skin
• Large size and heavy build typical of fish eagles
• Distinctive yelping call given with the head thrown back

Similar species

Adults are essentially unmistakable within their range. Juveniles are mottled brown and can be confused with immature vultures or other large raptors at a distance, but their heavy build, pale-based bill, and association with water are useful clues.

Range

The African Fish Eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever there is suitable open water, from West Africa across the Rift Valley lakes to southern Africa.

Habitat

It favors large lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and coastal lagoons with tall trees nearby for perching and nesting, and is rarely found far from water.

Migration

The species is largely resident and sedentary, though individuals may make local movements in response to changing water levels or food availability.

Hunting and feeding

African Fish Eagles hunt mainly by watching from a high perch and swooping low over the water to snatch fish near the surface with their talons. They also take waterbirds, scavenge carrion, and will steal food from other birds through kleptoparasitism.

Voice

Its loud, ringing, yelping call, given with the head thrown back over the shoulders, is one of the most evocative and recognizable sounds of the African wilderness and is often used to represent Africa in film and documentaries.

Nesting and breeding

Pairs build a large stick nest in a tall tree near water, often reusing and enlarging the same nest over many years. Typically one to three eggs are laid, and pairs frequently duet calling near the nest site.