As a close relative to the North American bald eagle, the African fish eagle is one of South Africa’s most stunning creatures to observe on a South African birding safari. Characterized by black, brown, and white plumage, the African fish eagle is nearly identical in appearance to its endangered North American relative.
Found in tall trees bordering large rivers, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, and floodplains, this bird is rarely found in arid climates such as the south-western regions of Africa. Living near large bodies of water, the African fish eagle never strays too far from its food source—it can always be seen near some body of water.
Their diet mainly includes fish that can reach up to roughly 6 ½ lbs, but are usually only 2 – 3 lbs. in weight. Fish that weigh more than 3 lbs. are often not carried in the air, but rather, brought to shore by land. The most frequently eaten species is the lungfish and the catfish. In addition to eating live fish, African fish eagles have also been known the be scavengers—eating already dead fish.
Fascinating African fish eagle facts:
• Categorized as kleptoparasites the African fish eagle has been known to steal prey from other bird species, as well as steal eggs and young from other water birds’ nests. They have also been spotted digesting flamingos and other water birds, as well as baby crocodiles and carrion. (The below photos by Dave show a series of photos of a fish eagle attempting to steal a fish from two saddle-billed storks in the Okavango Delta.)
• Famous for their powerful calls, the sound the African fish eagle makes has frequently been referred to as the voice of Africa. There are two distinct calls the African fish eagle makes—one while in the nest and the other in flight. The nest call is characterized as a “quock” sound.
• African fish eagles catch their prey slightly above the water with the sharp talons on their feet, but have also been known to submerge themselves to catch their prey.
• According to BirdLife International’s official Red List Authority for birds for IUCN, the African fish eagle population is at a “least concern” status. “The population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion.” With only a 30% decrease in population over the past ten years, the population is still at roughly 300,000 individuals.
• Made up of large sticks, the African fish eagle’s nest can be found on cliff ledges and also in large trees.
Fish eagles are one of my favorite African birds. Tell me what yours is?
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The beautiful photographs in this post are provided by Dave Estment a well-known South African photographer and are copyrighted by Dave Estment. To see more of Dave’s gorgeous work, please visit http://www.naomiestment.wordpress.com. Thank you very much Dave & Naomi for sharing your work with us and everyone wanting to Live the Magic of Africa.
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Hi Sandy,
THANK YOU for this fabulous article with such insightful information about our stunning fish eagles – and especially for including Dave’s photo’s, with such a kind and generous reference!
Dave absolutely loves to capture raptors in flight (9 years of pro superbike racing honed his reflexes for action photography). I was amazed by the sequence he shot of a fish eagle attempting to steal a fish from two Saddlebilled storks, not realizing at the time that fish eagles are known to be ‘kleptoparasites’ – a word you’ve just taught us, thank you!
I have to say that fish eagles of all birds are a particular favourite of mine. There are few experiences as hauntingly lovely as hearing their cry across the Okavango Delta.
It’s hard to mention a favourite, though, without adding the Giant Eagle Owl. Aside from seeing them often in the wild, I’ve had the privilege of one perching on my arm. Those enormous orange eyes are unforgettable! Here’s a link to an engaging image of one on a sign-post in Central Kalahari:
http://tinyurl.com/n4ye2f.
Please let us know if you decide to do a post about them!
Our sincere thanks again & all the very best with your African adventures
Naomi
Hi Naomi – I absolutely love your photographs and what you and Dave are doing, you are magical and changing people’s lives by what you do. Thank you. I can’t wait to see all your amazing work going in to the press soon. Keep me posted. I’ve uploaded your klepto series, and it works so well with this post, I can’t believe it. Thank you for sharing Dave’s work with everybody, really beautiful work that you both do. Love & hugs, and can’t wait to see you in Joburg, soon. Sandy
love animal…. thanks
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