African Fish Eagle

by Mark Homann, certified safari guide

One of Africa’s most striking and easily recognizable eagles is the African fish eagle. Similar in its appearance to America’s Bald Eagle, the fish eagle’s white mantle, head, and breast are offset by a chestnut abdomen and black under parts. These birds have a hauntingly beautiful call that is synonyms with Africa’s wild places and can be seen on African safari tours. With long claws that allow them to grasp fish, they are almost always found near water and are masters at fishing. Their broad wings help them to soar in the lightest breeze, and provide maximum power to lift fish out of the water.

The African fish eagle catches most of its fish between 5 to 12 inches in the water and has been known to catch fish as heavy as itself at about 8 pounds—although it’s more likely to catch fish smaller than this. Short fishing trips are conducted from a perch or on the wing. They will locate fish by sight although there is evidence that they can also find their prey from splashing sounds. While mainly a fish eating bird, they have been recorded hunting flamingoes and feeding on carrion.

These birds will often call in duet as a way to maintain their pair bond and mark their territories.  They are most vocal during the mating season when the male will fly high above his mate and then dive back down towards her. As he approaches her, she will turn on her back offering her talons to his.

Nesting in tall trees in the canopy, the African fish eagle’s nest is a flat-topped structure that’s about 45 inches deep and 60 inches across. One to three white eggs, occasionally marked with red, are laid and then incubated by both the male and female for a period of approximately 45 days.  Occasionally, two chicks will leave the nest but the survival of only one is the norm. The nestlings begin to leave the nest within 75 days and will not gain their adult plumage until they are 5 years-old.

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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?

Experience the life-altering beauty of South Africa on an African family safari, or honeymoon safari. Let Hills of Africa Travel create a tailored itinerary around your every preference. Contact us today at (800) 940-9344. We guarantee to bring you the African safari vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

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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Characterized by its abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage, Liuwa Plain National Park is one of Africa’s most highly-acclaimed destinations for an African safari trip. Located on the Upper Zambezi Flood Plains in Western Province, Zambia, this National Park is made up of lush grasslands, and surrounding islands.

During yearly flooding, Liuwa is the perfect habitat for a wide spectrum of exotic species of animal, bird, reptile, and foliage. With the Park’s diverse wildlife, it’s no wonder Liuwa’s walking safaris, boat trips, and game drives are arguably some of the best in all of Africa.

Liuwa Plain National Park is home to . . .

• Phenomenon: Liuwa boasts one of the greatest natural phenomenon in the entire world—the second largest wildebeest migration in Africa. Every year, during the month of June, large masses of wildebeest travel to the northwest region of the Park. In November, when the rainy season begins, these herds travel to the southern region of the Park where the floodplains fill. Then, in May, the process begins all over again . . .

• Exceptional Game-Viewing: Popular game in the Western Province include: zebra, red lechwe, side-stripped jackal, hyena, cheetah, reedbuck, and lion. The fusion of breath-taking scenery and magnificent creatures makes Liuwa Plain National Park one of Africa’s greatest treasures.

• Fantastic Bird Viewing: With over 300 species of bird, including the weeping wattle, wattled and grey-crowned cranes, marabou stork, and the African fish eagle, Liuwa is a bird lover’s delight. Liuwa is a prime attraction for visitors looking to observe a large variety of endangered species, exercise their photography talents, and soak in the glory of Liuwa’s astounding bird population.

• The Lozi Culture: Utilizing all of their natural resources, the Lozi people live off of their farmed crops, and fish, and use local plants to weave baskets and mats. Currently, there are 432 villages with an overall population of 20,000 individuals. The villages that aren’t actually located inside the Park are in close proximity. The Lozi culture follows traditional laws and systems dating back centuries ago, when the Lozi people were placed in the Park by past Kings to preserve its wildlife.

Experience the life-altering beauty of Africa at Liuwa Plain National Park on an African family safari, or honeymoon safari. Let Hills of Africa Travel create a tailored itinerary around your every preference. Contact us today at 1.877.845.4802. We guarantee to bring you the African safari vacation you’ve always dreamed of.