MENU
With its distinctive plumage and remarkable hunting abilities, African Eagle is highly regarded as a symbol of African wildlife.
2m
wingspan
20-25 years
lifespan
75cm
height
The Fish Eagle is a large raptor known for its impressive fishing skills and haunting call.
The African Fish Eagle is hard to miss, with its white head, dark body, and powerful hooked beak. With a wingspan of up to 2 metres, it soars over rivers and lakes, scanning for prey with sharp vision. In a flash, it dives, using strong talons to lift fish straight from the water.
Its haunting call — a high, echoing cry — is one of the most recognisable sounds in the African wild. Heard across great distances, it marks territory and leaves a lasting impression.
Find them at the following tours
Our photo safaris are designed to bring you as close to the wild as possible, so that you can watch and photograph these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.
Overview
The African Fish Eagle is one of the continent’s most recognisable birds. Found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands, it is known for its bold plumage, piercing cry, and expert hunting skills. With a powerful build and sharp vision, it hunts by swooping down to grab fish from just below the water’s surface. Often seen perched high in trees overlooking the water, the Fish Eagle is a constant presence in many of Africa’s wild spaces and a rewarding subject for wildlife photography.
Key Facts
Types and Habitats
The Fish Eagle belongs to the genus Haliaeetus and is a species of sea eagle. It is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a variety of aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal regions. The bird’s preference for these habitats is due to the abundance of fish, its main food source.
There are several subspecies of Fish Eagles found in different regions of Africa, including the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), the Madagascar Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides), and the Pallas’s Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) found in parts of Asia. Each subspecies may exhibit slight variations in appearance and behaviour, adapting to their specific habitats and prey availability.
Fish Eagles are adaptable hunters, adjusting their techniques to suit rivers, lakes, or floodplains. They typically perch near the water’s edge, scanning for movement. When prey is spotted, they launch into a swift dive, extend their talons, and lift the fish straight from the surface before retreating to a nearby perch to feed.
WHERE TO FIND ME
Find them at these destinations
FAQ
Explore the Fascinating World of This Animal Through These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
