White-bellied sea eagles are majestic birds of prey known for their striking appearance and impressive hunting skills. These monogamous birds engage in a fascinating mating ritual that involves a range of behaviors, from vocal duets to spectacular aerial displays.

The Courtship Ritual

The courtship of white-bellied sea eagles begins with a vocal duet between the male and female. This vocalization is a crucial part of the mating process and is often followed by awe-inspiring aerial displays. During these displays, the birds will dive, loop, and spin through the air, showcasing their strength and agility to potential mates.

Talon-Grappling

Image source: bellied sea eagle by shankar s

Another unique aspect of white-bellied sea eagle mating is the behavior known as talon-grappling. In this display, the pair will fly high into the air and lock their talons together, before plunging towards the ground in a cartwheeling motion. This behavior is believed to be a way for the birds to demonstrate their compatibility and willingness to work together.

Pair Bonding and Nesting

Once a pair has formed, they will typically remain together for life. However, if one bird dies, the surviving bird will quickly seek out a new mate. White-bellied sea eagles have a clutch size of one to three eggs, with the average being two eggs. In clutches of more than one egg, the first nestling that hatches will often kill its sibling(s) in order to eliminate competition for food.

Nesting Behavior

White-bellied sea eagles build large, stick nests high up in tall trees or on cliff ledges. These nests can be up to 2 meters wide and 1 meter deep, and they are often used for multiple breeding seasons. The female will lay her eggs and both parents will take turns incubating them for around 42 days.

Parental Care

Once the eggs hatch, both the male and female white-bellied sea eagles will work together to feed and care for their young. The chicks will remain in the nest for around 10-12 weeks, during which time they will be fed a diet of fish, small mammals, and birds. After fledging, the young birds will continue to be dependent on their parents for several more months as they learn to hunt and survive on their own.

Conclusion

The mating behaviors of white-bellied sea eagles are a fascinating example of the complex social dynamics of these impressive birds of prey. From their vocal duets and aerial displays to their unique talon-grappling behavior, these birds demonstrate a remarkable level of cooperation and coordination as they work together to raise their young and ensure the survival of their species.

References:

• http://www.aladdin.st/bird-watching/australia/white-bellied_sea_eagle.html
• https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Haliaeetus_leucogaster/
• https://wings.com.au/white-bellied-sea-eagle/
• https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/landscape/docs/hf/white-bellied-sea-eagle-bio-region-fact.pdf
• https://animalia.bio/white-bellied-sea-eagle