The African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer) is a large, distinctive bird of prey that is widely distributed throughout Africa, particularly in regions south of the Sahara Desert. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes eagles, hawks, and kites. The adult African Fish Eagle is easily identified by its chestnut-and-white plumage, with a white head and tail, and large, powerful black wings.

Identifying the African Fish Eagle

• Plumage: The adult African Fish Eagle has a chestnut-and-white plumage, with a white head and tail, and large, powerful black wings. The immature African Fish Eagle is dark brown and mottled with white on the head, with white windows in the wings and a pale, dark-tipped tail.
• Size: The African Fish Eagle is a large bird, with females typically weighing between 3.2-3.6 kg (7.1-7.9 lb) and males weighing between 2.0-2.5 kg (4.4-5.5 lb). It has a wingspan of 2.0 m (6.6 ft) for males and 2.4 m (7.9 ft) for females.
• Beak and Talons: The hook-shaped beak is yellow with a black tip, and the feet have rough soles and powerful talons for grasping slippery aquatic prey.
• Eyes: The eyes of the African Fish Eagle are dark brown.

Hunting and Feeding Habits

Image source: African fish eagle above water by Mehmet Karatay

The African Fish Eagle is a skilled fisherman, with specialized barbs on its feet to help it hold onto slippery fish, its primary prey. It catches fish with a graceful, shallow plunge to the water’s surface, but it will also eat birds, reptiles, and carrion. The African Fish Eagle is known for its distinctive, loud, penetrating call, which is often described as a “wheeee-ah-kleeuw-kleeuw-kluuu”.

Habitat and Distribution

The African Fish Eagle is a widespread and common species in Southern Africa, particularly around the Rift Valley lakes. It is also the national bird of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan. The African Fish Eagle is generally found living near bodies of water of almost any type and size, including estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, coastal waters, and wetlands.

Breeding and Nesting Behavior

The African Fish Eagle is known to be a territorial bird, with pairs defending their territory against other eagles and predators. It builds large nests out of sticks and branches, usually in a tree or on a cliff ledge, and uses the same nest year after year, adding new nesting material each year. The female lays 1-4 eggs, but usually just two, and incubates them for about 45 days.

Importance and Conservation Status

The African Fish Eagle is an important species in African ecosystems and is recognized as the national bird of several African nations. While the species is generally widespread and common, it is important to monitor its populations and habitat to ensure its long-term survival.

References:
– African Fish-Eagle Icthyophaga vocifer – eBird
– African Fish Eagle – Southern Africa Bird Guide – Kruger National Park
– African fish eagle and serval locked in a fight. : r/natureismetal – Reddit
– African Fish-eagle | The Peregrine Fund
– African fish eagle – Wikipedia