Tuesday 27 January 2015

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY - African Fish Eagle Video

This  post is mainly to show you the VIDEO at the end and give you a little information about the African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer which is 63–73 cm; 2–3.8 kg; and wingspan 1.9 m.  All were photographed from a moving small boat!


Adult. unmistakable; white head, breast and tail contrast with black and chestnut wings, back and underparts.  CLICK HERE to see a previous video and  photos of an adult.
CLICK HERE to see video and photos of a sub adult Fish Eagle.
Female larger and more extensively white on breast than male. Juvenile is a motley looking brown-and-white streaked bird that is easily misidentified.


The head is mostly white, streaked with brown, with a dark eye stripe; tail is distinctive – longer than ad's, white with a broad, dark brown terminal bar. Gradually neatens with age, taking 4–5 years to acquire ad. plumage. Facial mask may lead to confusion with Western Osprey, but is much larger, with broader wings, and white tail with dark terminal bar. Voice: Ringing ‘kyow-kow-kow' with head thrown back, given from perches or in flight; male's call is higher pitched. 



Pairs live year-round in territories on large rivers, lakes, estuaries and lagoons. Preys mainly on fish, but also scavenges at carcasses, robs nestlings from heronries, catches ducks and other birds, and steals fish and other prey from storks, pelicans and other water birds.

CLICK HERE if the video does not appear below.



I hope you enjoyed seeing these magnificent birds of prey.

Thank you for visiting and also to those who leave comments.

23 comments:

  1. They are pretty big. A wonderful sight.

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  2. Grand photos Margaret, and impressive video catching the eagle in flight, especially as he was moving so fast.

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  3. Margaret, cool captures of the Fish Eagle.. I enjoyed the video too, he is moving right along quickly.. Happy Tuesday!

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  4. I saw this species on David Attenborough's Africa and fell instantly in love with it. An amazing bird and fantastic video even if the whistling drove my dogs bananas lol

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  5. Magnificent indeed!!! blessings ~ tanna

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  6. Wonderful bird! I shall continue to make do with herons until I can get to Africa!

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  7. they're beautiful! i got a bit of motion-sickness in the video, though. :)

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  8. Hi Margaret,
    Beautiful video of this African Fish Eagle.
    Very well in picture, nice to see in flight.
    Best regards, Irma

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  9. Great shots, Ilove them, they are very majestic birds.

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  10. Great photos and video of a magnificent bird.

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  11. Well caught on camera!:) I enjoyed your vídeo very much. The fish eagle is a beautiful bird.

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  12. Eagles are amazing birds. This looks kind of like our Bald Eagle. What a beautiful bird!

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  13. Nice videography, Margaret. The African Fish Eagle is a beauty.

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  14. I like hearing his call in your video. It is like a whistle! Do you think that meant he had spotted you? Your first picture is so gorgeous! The flight, with the mountains behind, is so pretty.

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  15. a beautiful eagle indeed :) Love it!

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  16. Magnificent photos. Breathtaking. Thanks.

    Have a nice day.

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  17. Wow - Excellent captures of a moving bird, Margaret.
    The bird is quite beautiful - though known to be a thief :)

    Have a Beautiful Day!
    Peace :)

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  18. The eagle is magnificent soaring in the sky.

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  19. What a treat to see the bird flying!

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  20. What great birds!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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