African fish eagle

The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a striking and significant bird found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizable by its distinctive white head, brown body, and large black wings, this eagle is commonly sighted near lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water where food is plentiful. Notably, it is the national bird of both Namibia and Zambia.

Belonging to the genus Haliaeetus, the African fish eagle is closely related to the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle. An interesting fact about these birds is their sexual dimorphism, meaning females are larger than males.

These eagles thrive near freshwater sources across sub-Saharan Africa, typically breeding during the dry season. It is believed that African fish eagles mate for life. Their nests, built high in trees using sticks and branches, are quite large. Females usually lay one to three predominantly white eggs. The incubation period lasts about 42 to 45 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 70 to 75 days after hatching. Once they become juveniles, they tend to wander nomadically.

Their diet mainly consists of fish, which they expertly catch by swooping down from a perch. They have specialized toes to help grip slippery prey and sometimes drag or paddle heavy catches to shore. Additionally, African fish eagles are opportunistic feeders and may prey on waterbirds and other animals. They are also known for kleptoparasitism, which involves stealing prey from other birds.

Despite their reliance on aquatic environments, the African fish eagle is not currently at risk. Their conservation status is listed as "Least Concern" with an estimated population of around 300,000 individuals spread over 18.3 million square kilometers.

The African fish eagle is more than just a bird; it holds cultural and symbolic significance. It appears on the flags and coat of arms of several countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, and South Sudan, underscoring its importance and reverence in the region.