African Fish Eagle

Description:

African Fish-Eagles favor clear, shallow water bodies that have thriving populations of medium-sized fish and are bordered by large trees. They are therefore most abundant at lakes, dams, larger rivers and at estuaries.

Habitat:

Next to a river in an tall tree.

Notes:

They have expanded their range as a result of man-made dams and are one of the few eagles that are actually doing well. They have also adapted to nest in smaller trees and on cliffs, but usually stay away from mountainous areas. This species may resemble the Bald Eagle in appearance; though related, each species occurs on different continents, with the Bald Eagle being resident in North America. 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. The estimated population size is about 300,000 individuals with a distribution area of 18,300,000 km2. African Fish-Eagles are one of the most, if not the most, successful breeder of all African birds of prey. They build large nest – 1.5m across and 0.5m deep – out of sticks and reeds. They have many such tests in their territory and alternate each year. Nests are preferably positioned below the canopy in large woody trees with exposed perches. They lay up to four eggs but on most occasions only two. The incubation period is about 45 days. Two chicks are usually raised but this can be up to three as the chicks do not really kill each other like in other species of birds. Chicks leave the nest four months after hatching. Juveniles are dark, streaky and quite scruffy. It takes them four to five years to gain the chestnut, black and white colour that adults possess.