It is a common raptor that can be seen at coastal line of Peninsula Malaysia and Islands. The White-bellied Sea Eagle is the largest resident raptor with a wingspan of 50cm and body length of 70cm.
It is also called White-bellied Fish Eagles are more commonly seen on warm early mornings riding the coastal thermals, holding their wings in a V-shape (other raptors hold them horizontally). White-bellied Fish Eagles primary hunt prey that are found near the water surface mainly sea snakes, and fish. They do prey onbirds, turtles, swimming crabs and even bats when staple prey is less.
| Like other raptors, they have excellent eyesight. To forage, they circle on a thermal to gain height, then glide over water usually low and within 1 km from the shore.They catch their prey by skimming the water surface then snagging the prey in their talons with a backward slash. They don't plunge into the water like Osprey do. White-bellied Fish Eagles don't appear to be highly territorial towards others of their kind. But they make loud harsh cries near important spots like a perch or nest. These can be heard up to 1 km away, perhaps helping to space out the birds and avoid confrontations. |
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