Birds · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae

African Fish-Eagle

Haliaeetus vocifer

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The African fish eagle is an accipitriform bird of the family Accipitridae, widely distributed along the rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa, feeding mainly on fish. No subspecies are known. It is the national bird of Zambia and Namibia.

Weight

2.2 kg – 3.4 kg

Size

63 cm – 77 cm

Lifespan

14 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Freshwater

45countries 21parks 1dive sites43same family

Fun facts

GeneralIts call, thrown out with the head tipped back, is the sound most associated with the lakes of Africa.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Lakes, rivers, reservoirs and inland deltas
Size at birth: The chicks fly between 70 and 75 days, fed mainly by the female with prey brought in by the male
Gestation / incubation: 42-45 days of incubation, mostly by the female; the male relieves her while she hunts
Litter / clutch size: 1-4 eggs, usually 2, laid 2-3 days apart
Lifespan in captivity: Up to about 40 years in captivity

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haliaeetus_vocifer

Where to find it

See its range on the interactive map

Best time: It varies by region: from April to October in southern Africa, from June to December on the east coast and from October to April in the west; at the equator it may breed almost all year round