The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is a large bird of prey native to Africa, while the Fish Eagle is not a specific species but rather a common name that can refer to different species of eagles that primarily feed on fish. In this comparison, we will focus on the African Fish Eagle and its close relatives, such as the American Bald Eagle and the Eurasian White-tailed Eagle.

Size and Appearance

The African Fish Eagle is a large bird with a length of 25-30 inches (63-75 cm) and a wingspan of 6-8 feet (2-2.4 meters). Females are generally larger than males, with a weight range of 7-8 lbs (3.2-3.6 kg) for females and 4.4-5.5 lbs (2-2.5 kg) for males. The African Fish Eagle has a distinctive appearance, with a mostly brown body, a white head and tail, and large, powerful, black wings.

Habitat and Distribution

Image source: African fish eagle above water by Mehmet Karatay

The African Fish Eagle is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, ranging over most of continental Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It is still quite common near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, although it can sometimes be found near the coast at the mouths of rivers or lagoons.

Diet and Feeding

The African Fish Eagle feeds mainly on fish, which it catches by swooping down upon and snatching from the water with its large clawed talons. It will also feed on waterfowl, small turtles, baby crocodiles, and carrion.

Reproduction

The African Fish Eagle breeds during the dry season, when water levels are low. It is believed to mate for life. Pairs usually keep two or more platform nests made of sticks and other pieces of wood, which they frequently reuse and build on over time.

Comparison with Other Fish Eagles

The American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the Eurasian White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) are close relatives of the African Fish Eagle and are also members of the Haliaeetus genus of sea eagles. While they have similar appearances, the American Bald Eagle and the Eurasian White-tailed Eagle are slightly larger than the African Fish Eagle.

Key Differences

• The African Fish Eagle is native to Africa, while the American Bald Eagle and Eurasian White-tailed Eagle are found in North America and Europe/Asia, respectively.
• The African Fish Eagle is slightly smaller than its close relatives, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) compared to up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) for the American Bald Eagle and up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) for the Eurasian White-tailed Eagle.
• The African Fish Eagle has a distinctive white head and tail, while the American Bald Eagle and Eurasian White-tailed Eagle have similar coloration.

References:
– African Fish Eagle on Pangolin Photo
– African Fish Eagle vs Tawny Eagle
– African Fish Eagle on Wikipedia