Sanford's sea eagle, also known as Sanford's fish eagle or the Solomon eagle, is a sea eagle endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago (Southwest Pacific, Melanesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to most larger islands of the Solomon Islands archipelago, including Guadalcanal, Malaita, Santa Isabel, New Georgia, Choiseul, Makira, and nearby island groups; it also occurs on Bougainville. It favors coastal margins with intact forest, mangroves, estuaries, and coral reef lagoons. Birds also range inland along large rivers and lakes where tall nesting trees are available. Territories typically encompass stretches of shoreline and adjacent forest, and pairs reuse nest sites for years.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sanford's sea eagle is the largest raptor of the Solomon Islands, often seen patrolling coastlines and mangrove-fringed lagoons. It typically nests in tall emergent trees near the sea and forms long-term pair bonds. Logging of lowland forests and human persecution are the main threats, leading to a small and declining population.
Sanford's eagle on a stamp of the British Solomon Islands (1965).
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs that hold year-round territories. Pairs build large stick nests high in emergent coastal trees and often reuse and add to them annually. Monogamous bonds are long-term, and both adults share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal, especially at dawn and near the nest, giving loud ringing yelps and honking calls in series. Duets between mates are common, carrying far over water and forest.
