BirdUp · Species
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Icthyophaga leucogaster(Gmelin, JF, 1788)
Updated
Also known asMan-bi-raMak-makKuwirrk
- Order
- ACCIPITRIFORMES
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Icthyophaga
At a glance
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a very large bird, about 70–90 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia.
- Size
- 70–90 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Native
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a White-bellied Sea Eagle look like?
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a very large bird, about 70–90 cm long and weighing 1800–4500 g, identified by its pure white head, neck, and underparts; two-toned underwing; short, white, wedge-shaped tail; and unfeathered yellowish-grey legs.
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a massive, elegant raptor with a wingspan reaching 2.2 metres. Adults are unmistakable, featuring a pure white head, neck, and underparts that contrast sharply with slate-grey upperparts. In flight, the underwing displays a striking two-tone pattern: snowy-white coverts against jet-black flight feathers. The tail is short and wedge-shaped with a broad white tip. While the heavy bill is blue-grey and the bare legs are yellowish-grey, females are significantly larger than males despite identical plumage. Juveniles are mottled brown with pale cream streaking, taking up to six years to reach full adult plumage. The signature call is a loud, nasal, goose-like honking. Pairs frequently engage in noisy dueting, uttering a rhythmic "ank-ank-ank" that carries long distances, particularly at dawn. In the air, this eagle is noted for its steady, deep wingbeats and its habit of soaring with wings held in a pronounced V-shape, or dihedral. In silhouette, the prominent head and neck project as far forward as the tail extends behind. A skilled hunter, it glides over water to snatch fish, sea snakes, or turtles from the surface, though it also scavenges and practices kleptoparasitism, often harassing Ospreys to steal their prey. While found throughout the Australian coastline and Tasmania, it also follows major river systems inland to large lakes and reservoirs, generally avoiding the arid interior. It requires tall trees for nesting and prominent perches near the water. Brown immatures are frequently confused with the Wedge-tailed Eagle; however, the Sea Eagle has a shorter, wedge-shaped tail and bare legs, whereas the Wedge-tail possesses a long, diamond-shaped tail and legs feathered to the toes. The Black-breasted Buzzard is smaller and features prominent white circular patches near the wingtips.
Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Pure white head, neck, and underparts
Contrasts sharply with slate-grey upperparts.
- 02
Two-toned underwing
Snowy-white coverts contrast sharply with jet-black flight feathers.
- 03
Short, white, wedge-shaped tail
Distinctly short and broadly white, with a noticeable wedge shape, prominent in flight.
- 04
Unfeathered yellowish-grey legs
Legs are bare, not feathered to the toes.
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a White-bellied Sea Eagle eat?
The White-bellied Sea Eagle feeds on fish, sea snakes, turtles, crustaceans, birds, mammals and and carrion., usually foraging in swooping from perch or flight, snatching from water surface or and kleptoparasitism..
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
2 photos
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