The lesser fish eagle is a species of Icthyophaga found in the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the foothills of the Himalayas, and south-east Asia. There are records from Gujarat, Central India and in more recent times from the Kaveri river valley in southern India, although the south Indian records are now thought to come from an isolated population, disjunct from the species' normal range. Some taxonomic authorities place this species in the genus Icthyophaga. Others place it in the genus Haliaeetus.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found patchily along forested rivers and large streams from the Himalayan foothills through northeastern India and Bangladesh to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Vietnam and Malaysia. It favors clear or slow-flowing rivers, lakes, and reservoirs bordered by tall trees that provide vantage perches and nest sites. The species requires intact riparian woodland and minimal human disturbance. It is typically absent from open coasts and heavily degraded river systems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A riverine raptor specialized for catching fish, it perches low over water and snatches prey with strongly spiculate, bare yellow feet. Often confused with the Grey-headed Fish Eagle, it is smaller and shows a greyer tail with a dark subterminal band. It nests in large stick platforms high in riverside trees and is sensitive to disturbance and changes in river flow. Hydropower development, overfishing, and riparian forest loss are principal threats.
the lesser fish eagle with fish kill
Lesser fish eagle on the banks of river Kaveri, India
at Jim Corbett National Park
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats, often low over water; short soaring glides along river courses
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs holding linear territories along rivers. Monogamous pairs build large stick nests high in riverside trees and may reuse them for multiple seasons. Clutch size is small, usually 1–2 eggs, and both adults attend the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal near nest sites and at dawn, giving clear, ringing whistles and yelps that carry over water. Calls can escalate into excited, repeated notes during territorial displays or pair duets.
Plumage
Dusky-brown head and upperparts with paler, often streaked underparts; grey tail with a distinct dark subterminal band; underwings show two-toned pattern with darker flight feathers. Feathers appear somewhat coarse on the mantle; throat often paler, giving a contrast to the breast.
Diet
Primarily takes live fish, seized near the surface with powerful talons; occasionally takes amphibians, crustaceans, and small water birds. Hunts from exposed riverside perches or by quartering slowly along banks. Prey is often carried to a perch to be consumed.
Preferred Environment
Frequents clear, slow to moderately flowing rivers, oxbow lakes, and forest-fringed reservoirs with ample perches. Avoids heavily disturbed banks and turbid waters where fish are harder to detect.
