For animal enthusiasts with advanced knowledge, understanding the differences and similarities between the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Bald Eagle requires a deep dive into their physical attributes, behavior, and geographical distribution. This comparative analysis provides a comprehensive overview of these magnificent birds of prey.

Physical Attributes of White-bellied Sea Eagle vs Bald Eagle

1. Size and Weight: The White-bellied Sea Eagle is larger than the Bald Eagle in terms of size, with a wingspan of up to 2.84m compared to the Bald Eagle’s 2.5m. However, the Bald Eagle is heavier, weighing between 3-6.3 kg, while the White-bellied Sea Eagle weighs between 3-4.5 kg.
2. Gender Dimorphism: In both species, the female is larger than the male. In the White-bellied Sea Eagle, the female can be up to 20% larger in size and 120% larger in mass.
3. Coloration: The White-bellied Sea Eagle has a white belly, dark gray back, dark eyes and beak, and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. The Bald Eagle, on the other hand, has a white head and tail, with a brown body and wings.

Behavioral Differences between White-bellied Sea Eagle and Bald Eagle

Image source: bellied sea eagle by shankar s

1. Diet: The White-bellied Sea Eagle primarily feeds on fish, but also takes birds, mammals, and carrion. The Bald Eagle, however, predominantly feeds on fish, but will also consume carrion, waterfowl, and small mammals.
2. Hunting and Feeding Habits: The White-bellied Sea Eagle hunts by soaring over water and swooping down to catch fish near the surface. The Bald Eagle, on the other hand, often steals fish from other birds or takes them from the water’s surface.
3. Nesting and Breeding: The White-bellied Sea Eagle lays 1-3 eggs, with two being the most common. The Bald Eagle lays 1-3 eggs as well, with the female incubating them for approximately 35 days.

Geographical Distribution of White-bellied Sea Eagle and Bald Eagle

1. Habitat: The White-bellied Sea Eagle is found in Asia and Australasia, primarily near large bodies of water such as seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers. The Bald Eagle is found in North America, primarily near large bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, marshes, and coasts.
2. Conservation Status: The White-bellied Sea Eagle is categorized as Least Concern, while the Bald Eagle was once endangered but has since recovered and is now categorized as Least Concern.

Real-life Incidents and Statistics

1. Recovery of the Bald Eagle: In the 1960s, the Bald Eagle population declined due to the use of the pesticide DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells and reproductive failure. However, through conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT, the Bald Eagle population has recovered.
2. Cainism in the White-bellied Sea Eagle: Researchers have documented cainism occurring in some nests of the White-bellied Sea Eagle, where one nestling (usually the bigger one) kills its sibling.

In conclusion, the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Bald Eagle are both impressive birds of prey, but they differ in their physical attributes, behavior, and geographical distribution. Understanding these differences is crucial for animal enthusiasts and researchers alike.

References:

• Debus, S., & Kirwan, G. M. (2020). White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, & E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.wbseag1.01
• Global Raptor Information Network. 2022. Species account: White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster. Downloaded from http://www.globalraptors.org on 6 Apr. 2022
• https://www.reddit.com/r/birdsofprey/comments/13twxo6/wedgetailed_vs_bald_eagle/.