Facts, Information, Scientific Name of White Bellied Sea Eagle
Let us learn about the Bird that is feisty as they hunt during their flight but also are romantic singers.
We glide with pride and reside near a coastal breeze,
Nesting is hard a because of the large chopped Trees.
Name– White Bellied Sea Eagle, also White Breasted Sea Eagle.
Scientific name– Haliaeetus leucogaster
leuco– white, gaster – belly.
Size– 90 cm
Distribution and Habitat-
In coastal areas of Southern and Southeast Asia, one can find a large bright eye-catching white bird with black wings soaring in a Hot beach breeze. This bird has a hooked bill, white head, breast, belly and underside of wings are half black. The legs are black. The name of this Bird is White Bellied Sea Eagle. It can also be seen on land areas, near River. The Juvenile Bird is Brown instead of Black for at least a Year.
Habit and Food-
White-bellied Sea eagles are active during the day. They are Territorial or seen in pairs. Some might be seen solitary sitting or perching on a Tree. Some are Soaring above waterbodies to catch the fish. The Bird swims at a 45-degree angle to the water body and can grasp The fish with one Talon (foot). The group activities are of Feeding on special occasions when an individual finds a dead body. It’s a feast for a group of White-bellied Sea Eagles. Hence these Sea eagles are Scavengers as well as Carnivores. But they also hunt Sea, snakes, Turtles, and small ducks. Their call is loud as a ‘Honk’. Male calls have a high pitch.
Courtship-
At the age of 6 years, this sea eagle starts Breeding. White-bellied Sea Eagles are monogamous. They mate with one partner. They have very skilful aerial displays to impress their partners. They make calls together and fly with each other. Fly with Glides and chase each other. In the mid-air, they try to grab each other’s Talons and perform a Cartwheel and get separated till they approach the ground.
Nesting-
They nest on tall trees with large forked branches. Nest is a large cup nest made up of sticks, and branches which have an inner lining of Grass or seaweed. The egg clutch is of Two eggs. The incubation period is of 6 weeks. The chicks fly out of nests after 80 days but stick around in their parents’ territory till 6 months. The lifespan of this Sea eagle is of 30 years.
Ecological Importance and Threats-
White Bellied Sea Eagle is one of the ‘Apex Predators’. Their Predation activity keeps in check the abundance of other species. Yet, these mighty birds are in threat of hunting and poisoning. The main threat is cutting off the Trees in coastal areas. Without large trees, they have no place to build a nest. Hence, the breeding of White Bellied Sea Eagle is under major threat.
- Also See – Indian Peacock