African fish eagles typically lay 2 eggs at a time, with a clutch size ranging from 1 to 4 eggs. These eggs are primarily white in color with a few reddish speckles. The incubation period lasts for 42 to 45 days, during which the female does most of the incubation, but the male also takes turns when the female leaves to hunt.
Clutch Size and Egg Characteristics
African fish eagles lay a clutch of 1 to 4 eggs, but they typically lay 2 eggs at a time. The eggs are primarily white in color with a few reddish speckles. The size of the eggs can vary, but they are generally around 70-80 mm in length and 55-60 mm in width.
| Clutch Size | Egg Color | Egg Size (Length x Width) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 eggs | White with reddish speckles | 70-80 mm x 55-60 mm |
Incubation and Chick Rearing
Image source: African fish eagle above water by Mehmet Karatay
The incubation period for African fish eagle eggs lasts for 42 to 45 days. During this time, the female does most of the incubation, but the male also takes turns when the female leaves the nest to hunt. Siblicide, where the stronger chick kills the weaker one, does not normally occur in this species, and the parents often successfully rear two or three chicks.
The chicks fledge around 70 to 75 days old, and post-fledgling dependence lasts up to three months. Those that survive their first year have a life expectancy of some 12 to 24 years in the wild.
Feeding and Hunting Behavior
African fish eagles are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, which they catch by swooping down from a perch and snatching the prey from the water with their large, clawed talons. They have structures on their toes called spiricules that allow them to grasp slippery prey. These birds usually catch fish around 200 to 1,000 g (0.44 to 2.20 lb), but fish up to 4,200 g (9.3 lb) can be taken. They also feed on birds, especially waterbirds such as ducks, cormorants, grebes, and herons.
Nesting and Breeding
African fish eagles are monogamous and most often mate for life. Breeding is seasonal, and both sexes participate in nest building, incubation, and rearing of chicks. They usually construct one to three nests in tall trees near waterways, and both sexes participate in nesting behavior. Nests usually have a diameter of 120-150 cm and a depth of 30-60 cm, but can be as big as 200 cm in diameter and 150 cm deep. Nests are lined with grass, leaves, papyrus, reed, and sometimes even weaver nests. Females primarily incubate and shade the chicks, whereas the male does most of the hunting for his mate and offspring. Adults may continue to feed offspring for an additional six weeks post fledging.
Conclusion
In summary, African fish eagles typically lay 2 eggs at a time, with a clutch size ranging from 1 to 4 eggs. These eggs are primarily white in color with a few reddish speckles, and the incubation period lasts for 42 to 45 days. The parents often successfully rear two or three chicks, and those that survive their first year have a life expectancy of 12 to 24 years in the wild.
References:
– https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Haliaeetus_vocifer/
– https://www.mpalalive.org/field_guide/view/african_fish_eagle
– https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/african-fish-eagle
– https://www.pangolinphoto.com/african-fish-eagle
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_fish_eagle
