Species profile
About the african fish eagle
The African fish eagle is instantly known by its snow-white head, breast and tail against a chestnut body and black wings — and even more by its call, a far-carrying yelping duet delivered with the head thrown right back over the shoulders.
Pairs hold stretches of shoreline along Lake Manyara, the Momella Lakes, Lake Tanganyika and the Rufiji and Great Ruaha rivers. The bird snatches fish from just below the surface with feet whose soles are covered in spicules for grip on wet scales.
Life in the wild
Behavior & relationships
Behavior
Perches for long periods on a prominent waterside branch, then makes a shallow gliding strike. Also pirates catches from herons, storks and other eagles.
Social life
Monogamous pairs holding a shoreline territory for life; the pair duets, often with both birds calling in the air.
What makes it remarkable
Special features
Rough spicules on the soles of the feet for gripping wet fish, and the throw-back duet that carries several kilometres over water.
