The Martial Eagle and the Fish Eagle are two of the most impressive birds of prey in Africa, each with their unique characteristics, hunting techniques, and habitats. While the Martial Eagle is the largest eagle in Africa, the Fish Eagle is a skilled fisherman that uses its agility and precision to catch fish.
Martial Eagle: The Heavyweight Champion
The Martial Eagle is the largest eagle in Africa, weighing in at almost 14 pounds (6.5 kg) and has a wingspan of about 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). It is a bird of the uninhabited stretches of thornbush and savannah, occurring also in open plains and semi-desert country. The Martial Eagle spends on average 85% of its time perched and takes to the wing predominantly in the late morning.
Hunting Techniques
The Martial Eagle is an opportunistic perch and ambush hunter, killing or attacking by a long slanting stoop at great speed, or a gentle descent into an opening in the bush. It preys upon game-birds and small mammals out in the open, but also preys upon man’s domestic animals, though it certainly kills much less than it is often accused of killing.
Prey and Diet
The Martial Eagle is a powerful hunter that uses its size and strength to take down prey. It is known to prey on animals as large as an Impala calf.
Fish Eagle: The Skilled Fisherman
Image source: Martial eagle by Charles J. Sharp
The Fish Eagle, also known as the African Fish Eagle, is a large species of eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply of fish are found. It is a large bird, with a body length of 63–75 cm (25–30 in) and a wingspan of 1.83 m (6 ft).
Appearance
The Fish Eagle has a white head, neck, and tail contrasting with its dark brown body and wings; its plumage is similar to that of the American Bald Eagle.
Hunting Techniques
The Fish Eagle is a skilled fisherman that uses its agility and precision to catch fish. It feeds mainly on fish, which it catches by swooping down and snatching the fish from the water with its large, powerful talons.
Prey and Diet
The Fish Eagle typically preys on fish that weigh between 0.5 and 2 kg (1 and 4 lbs).
Habitat and Distribution
The Martial Eagle is found in the savannah and thornbush areas of Africa south of the Sahara, while the Fish Eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply of fish are found.
Conclusion
Both the Martial Eagle and the Fish Eagle are impressive birds of prey with their unique characteristics, hunting techniques, and habitats. While the Martial Eagle is the largest eagle in Africa and a powerful hunter, the Fish Eagle is a skilled fisherman that uses its agility and precision to catch fish. Both species are important indicators of the health of their respective ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.
