Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
Also known as: Grey-headed Fishing Eagle
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is a large raptor native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, specialized in catching fish. It has a distinctive grey head, dark brown upperparts, and a white belly and tail with a broad black terminal band. They are typically seen perched on tall trees overlooking rivers, lakes, and marshes, ready to plunge-dive to scoop up fish near the water's surface.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grey-headed Fish Eagle
It sits on a perch overlooking water and swoops down, grabbing fish from the surface with its sharp, specially adapted talons.
It is highly sensitive to habitat degradation, pollution of waterways, overfishing, and loss of large nesting trees.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is usually solitary or pairs.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is typically diurnal.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is resident.
The main threats facing the Grey-headed Fish Eagle include Water pollution, Overfishing, Habitat loss, and Disturbance of nesting sites.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle population trend is currently decreasing.
Well-known places to look for the Grey-headed Fish Eagle include Keoladeo National Park (India), Chitwan National Park (Nepal), and Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Natural predators of the Grey-headed Fish Eagle include None (as adults).
A key indicator species for the health of freshwater ecosystems in South and Southeast Asia.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is part of the Accipitridae family and an Accipitriformes order.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle weighs about 2.1 kg, stands around 68 cm tall, reaches about 68 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 162 cm.
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle can reach speeds of around 50 km/h.
