All About The African Fish Eagle

 

 

Length: 63-73cm

Wingspan:  Male – 191cm, Female – 237cm

Weight:  Male – 1.99-2.5kg, Female – 3.17-3.63kg

 

Field Recognition – In flight the conspicuous white head, short white tail, broad wings with dark feathers and chestnut underwing coverts are characteristic. The sexes are alike, but females are 10-15% larger than males.

 

Behaviour – Pairs are highly territorial. They are mostly found in groups of either parents and their young or immature and sub-adults. The loud ringing call, that of the male is higher pitched than the female.

 

Feeding – They glide down towards a surface-feeding fish, grabbing and lifting it from the water. They also are known to feed on various small animals.

 

Breeding season – March to September, peaking June to August.

 

Nest – Large platform of sticks lined with grass, papyrus heads and some green leaves. Usally up in trees or sometimes on cliffs.

 

Eggs – 1-3 eggs, usually 2.

 

Incubation – 42-44 days 45 by both sexes.

 

Nesting – 70-75 days, fed by the female on prey brought by the male.

 

Habitat – Large bodies of fresh water.