20-5-2019 LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) or the African sea eagle, is a large species of eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply occur. It is the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. As a result of its large range, it is known in many languages. Examples of names include: Vis Arend in Afrikaans, nkwazi in Chewa, aigle pêcheur in French, hungwe in Shona, inkwazi in isiZulu, and ntšhu (pronounced "ntjhu") in Northern Sotho. This species may resemble the bald eagle in appearance; though related, the two species occurs on different continents, with the bald eagle being resident in North America.

12-2-2020 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

                                     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_fish_eagle

These birds are found throughout sub Saharan Africa and must make an impressive sight in the wild. They grow to around 3.5kg with a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the female being larger than the male. The African fish eagle feeds mainly on fish, which it will swoop down upon from a perch in a tree, snatching the prey from the water with its large clawed talons. The eagle will then fly back to its perch to eat its catch. Should the African fish eagle catch a fish over 1.8 kg (4 pounds) it will be too heavy to allow the eagle to get lift, so it will instead drag the fish across the surface of the water until it reaches the shore. If it catches a fish that is too heavy to even allow the eagle to sustain flight, it will drop into the water and paddle to the nearest shore with its wings.

23-10-2019 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

22-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

2-6-2019 LINYANTI, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5308-Haliaeetus-vocifer

21-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

20-5-2019 LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

02-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5308-Haliaeetus-vocifer

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

16-1-2019 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

The African fish eagle is known for its iconic, evocative call, which many consider the essence of Africa. It is a territorial bird, often seen perched high in a tree, surveying its domain. When hunting, it exhibits remarkable prowess, swooping down to snatch fish from the water with its taloned feet.

The call of the African fish eagle is a high-pitched and clear "weee-ah, hyo-hyo" or "heee-ah, heeah-heeah," with the male's call being particularly shrill.

Breeding occurs during the dry season, with pairs believed to mate for life. They maintain and reuse multiple nests, which can grow quite large over time. The female lays one to three eggs, primarily white with reddish speckles, and both parents share incubation duties. Chicks fledge at around 70 to 75 days old and remain dependent on their parents for up to three months.

The African fish eagle primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by swooping from a perch. It has specialized structures on its toes called spiricules to help grasp slippery prey. While fish are the mainstay of its diet, it also consumes waterbirds, small turtles, baby crocodiles, frogs, insects, and occasionally mammals. It is also known to engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing prey from other birds.

The African fish eagle is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an estimated population size of around 300,000 individuals and a wide distribution area.

The African fish eagle may be superficially similar to the bald eagle, but they are found on different continents and can be distinguished by their calls and habitat preferences.

Mummified African fish eagles have been discovered at the Necropolis at Elkab, indicating the bird's significance in ancient cultures.

5-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) COURTESY OF MRS VALERIE FISHER

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

The African fish eagle is known for its iconic, evocative call, which many consider the essence of Africa. It is a territorial bird, often seen perched high in a tree, surveying its domain. When hunting, it exhibits remarkable prowess, swooping down to snatch fish from the water with its taloned feet.

The call of the African fish eagle is a high-pitched and clear "weee-ah, hyo-hyo" or "heee-ah, heeah-heeah," with the male's call being particularly shrill.

Breeding occurs during the dry season, with pairs believed to mate for life. They maintain and reuse multiple nests, which can grow quite large over time. The female lays one to three eggs, primarily white with reddish speckles, and both parents share incubation duties. Chicks fledge at around 70 to 75 days old and remain dependent on their parents for up to three months.

The African fish eagle primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by swooping from a perch. It has specialized structures on its toes called spiricules to help grasp slippery prey. While fish are the mainstay of its diet, it also consumes waterbirds, small turtles, baby crocodiles, frogs, insects, and occasionally mammals. It is also known to engage in kleptoparasitism, stealing prey from other birds.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

These eagles are typically found near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and sometimes along coastlines at river mouths or lagoons. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, and even desert-bordering coastlines.

The African fish eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, with a presence in most areas south of the Sahara Desert. It is commonly seen in regions like the Orange River, the Okavango Delta, and around Lake Victoria and other large Rift Valley lakes.

17-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a majestic bird of prey that graces the skies of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a symbol of national pride, being the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This raptor is known for its striking appearance, with a mostly brown body contrasted by a snow-white head, breast, and tail. The face is featherless and a vivid yellow, matching the color of its formidable, hooked beak, tipped in black. The African fish eagle's eyes are a deep, dark brown, and its powerful black wings carry it effortlessly over open waters.

Adult African fish eagles are unmistakable with their white heads and chests, brown bodies, and large black wings. Females are larger than males, with wingspans reaching up to 2.4 meters, compared to the 2-meter span of males. Juveniles can be identified by their overall brown plumage and paler eyes. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being heavier, weighing between 3.2 to 3.6 kilograms, while males weigh between 2.0 to 2.5 kilograms.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5308-Haliaeetus-vocifer