5 Fascinating Facts About the African Fish Eagle

By Mike Unwin

You needn’t be a serious birder to recognize the yodeling yelp of this striking raptor. Often described as the sound of Africa, the African fish eagle evokes images of lazy rivers and palm-fringed lake shores, often in duet with the grunting of hippos. And the bird itself, in all its black, white and chestnut finery, is equally unmistakable. Below are five fascinating facts about the African fish eagle.

- The African fish eagle is not a ‘true’ eagle but belongs to the Haliaeetus genus of sea eagles, alongside seven other species worldwide that include the American bald eagle and the Eurasian white-tailed eagle. This is one of the most ancient genera among all living birds. And it is a sight to behold.
- African fish eagles are kleptoparasites, which is to say they habitually steal prey from other species. Common victims of this piratical behaviour include goliath herons and saddle-billed stork.
- A fish eagle’s toes are coated in sharp barbs, called spiricules, which consequently help it to grasp fish and other slippery prey.
- Incidentally, fish are not the only item on the menu of this versatile predator. In addition, other prey includes ducks, terrapins, crocodiles, small waterfowl and even – in the soda lakes of East Africa – flamingos.
- This bird’s conspicuous nature and charismatic presence ensure it figures prominently in the folklore and heraldry of several nations. Therefore you will find it on the coat of arms of Namibia, Zambia and South Sudan.