African fish eagles are carnivorous birds that primarily feed on fish, making up about 90% of their diet. They have been known to consume half a pound of fish per day. These eagles have a unique fishing technique where they swoop down from a perch to catch fish from the surface of the water, then fly back to their perch to feed.

Feeding Habits of African Fish Eagles

African fish eagles are diurnal, spending most of their time perched on mostly horizontal branches near bodies of water, where they survey the area for potential prey. They spend less than 10 minutes per day fishing, except when raising young. Their primary food source is fish, with common species including tilapia and catfish.

These eagles are opportunistic feeders and may consume other prey such as small birds, insects, termites, and even larger birds like flamingos when fish are scarce or during dry periods. Carrion, or already dead animals, are also part of their diet.

Hunting Techniques of African Fish Eagles

Image source: African fish eagle above water by Mehmet Karatay

African fish eagles have a unique fishing technique where they swoop down from a perch to catch fish from the surface of the water, then fly back to their perch to feed. This hunting method allows them to conserve energy and efficiently catch their primary prey.

Perching and Surveying

African fish eagles spend most of their time perched on horizontal branches near bodies of water, where they can survey the area for potential prey. They use their keen eyesight to spot fish swimming in the water below.

Swooping and Catching

When a fish is spotted, the African fish eagle will swoop down from its perch, extending its talons to catch the fish from the surface of the water. This technique requires precise timing and coordination to successfully capture the prey.

Returning to Perch

After catching a fish, the African fish eagle will fly back to its perch to consume the meal. This allows the eagle to rest and digest the food while keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area for any additional prey.

Breeding and Nesting Habits

African fish eagles are monogamous and mate for life, breeding once a year during the dry season when water levels are low. They build large nests out of sticks and branches, usually in a tree or on a cliff ledge, and reuse the same nest year after year, adding new nesting material each time.

The female lays 1-4 eggs, but usually just two, and incubates them for about 45 days. The chicks hatch at different times, leading to sibling rivalry and often resulting in the death of the second chick due to its inability to compete for food.

Conservation Efforts

There are no major threats facing African fish eagles at present, but their populations can be negatively impacted by pollution and pesticides in water bodies, which could result in eggshell thinning.

Efforts to conserve the African fish eagle include monitoring their populations, protecting their habitats, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals in water bodies. By understanding the feeding habits and breeding behaviors of these majestic birds, we can better protect them and ensure their continued survival in the wild.

References:
– African Fish Eagle – Animal Diversity Web
– African Fish Eagle – The Peregrine Fund
– African Fish Eagle – Wikipedia
– African Fish Eagle – Kruger Park
– African Fish Eagle – Animalia