The white-bellied sea eagle, also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Originally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788, it is closely related to Sanford's sea eagle of the Solomon Islands, and the two are considered a superspecies. A distinctive bird, the adult white-bellied sea eagle has a white head, breast, under-wing coverts and tail. The upper parts are grey and the black under-wing flight feathers contrast with the white coverts. The tail is short and wedge-shaped as in all Haliaeetinae species. Like many raptors, the female is larger than the male, and can measure up to 90 cm (35 in) long with a wingspan of up to 2.2 m (7.2 ft), and weigh 4.5 kg (9.9 lb). Immature birds have brown plumage, which is gradually replaced by white until the age of five or six years. The call is a loud goose-like honking.
Region
Indo-Pacific
Typical Environment
Found from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia through New Guinea to Australia and Tasmania, primarily along coasts and major inland waterways. It favors estuaries, mangroves, coral-fringed islands, large lakes, and broad rivers. The species usually nests in tall trees or on coastal cliffs with clear flight access to water. It occasionally ventures inland where large, open water bodies are present. Human-altered shorelines and fish-rich reservoirs can also be used.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied sea eagle is a powerful coastal raptor of the Indo-Pacific, often seen soaring high above shorelines and large rivers. Adults are strikingly two-toned with white underparts and a contrasting dark upperwing. They frequently pirate prey from other birds and will scavenge as readily as they hunt live fish. Pairs are typically lifelong, maintaining large stick nests near water for many years.
Adult flying in Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka, the black flight feathers contrasting with the wing lining clearly visible
Adult in captivity at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai
A juvenile from Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal, India.
In Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
composite of 4 images showing take off
An adult bird with fish catch from Sundarban, India.
Seizing waterborne prey
Juvenile in flight
Adult flying in Tasmania
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with powerful, deep wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally encountered singly or in pairs, with breeding pairs defending coastal and riparian territories. They are largely monogamous and perform dramatic aerial displays during courtship. Nests are substantial stick platforms reused and enlarged over many seasons, typically placed high in a tree or on a cliff near water.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The call is a loud, goose-like honking, often delivered in duets by a pair near the nest. Additional calls include ringing yelps and repeated yodeling notes that carry over water.
