Field Guide

White-Bellied Sea-Eagle

Icthyophaga leucogaster

Aves › Accipitriformes › Accipitridae › Haliaeetus

White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (Icthyophaga leucogaster)
Photo: (c) Will Cornwell, some rights reserved (CC BY), CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist

This large diurnal bird of prey belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is an opportunistic carnivore that consumes a wide variety of animal prey, including carrion, and fish form around half of its diet.

How To Identify

This medium-to-large raptor features broad wings typical of coastal feeders; males are generally marked by rich brown dorsal plumage contrasting sharply with a distinctive, bright white patch covering the belly and undertail area.

Habitat

It typically inhabits coastal regions, large river systems, and wetlands across South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and nearby areas.

Behaviour

This eagle is known for its spectacular aerial displays during breeding season, including cartwheeling dives and talon-grasping with its mate while falling through the air.

Did You Know?

White-bellied Sea-Eagles can spot fish from over a kilometre away and have been known to snatch prey weighing up to 4 kilograms from the water's surface while in flight.

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