AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE
Haliaeetus vocifer
 
iNkwazi (Zulu) Visarend (Afrikaans)

HABITAT
Found throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal on large rivers, lakes, pans and dams where there are large trees. They also occur on coastal lagoons, estuaries and along the coast itself.

TYPE
A large dark brown and white eagle with a characteristic cry that rings out over the rivers and pans of Africa. The body and wings are dark contrasting with the white head and tail. The belly and upper wing coverts are a dark chestnut. The eyes are a pale grey brown, the bill black and the cere, lores, legs and feet are yellow.

FOOD
It eats mainly fish up to a kilogram in weight and occasionally larger which are then not carried in flight but dragged along the surface of the water. It also takes nestlings and eggs as well as carrion, monkeys, frogs, lizards and insects.

BREEDING
African Fish Eagles nest from March to September in KwaZulu-Natal building a platform of sticks in a large tree near water. The bowl is lined with grass, green leaves and reeds and usually two plain white eggs are laid.

STATUS
A common resident which is sometimes nomadic.