In Australia White-bellied Sea Eagles are protected and listed as vulnerable in some states.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They are the second largest raptor and have the typical wedge-shaped tail found on eagles.
We are luck living in the Hunter Valley as we have significant bodies of water, both inland and coastal, creating suitable habitat for sea eagles.
Related content:
They are commonly found in coastal bays and inlets, along beaches, lagoons and nearby sand dunes, woodland, and forests.
These birds are readily identified by their contrasting white and ashy-grey plumage, which adds to its striking appearance as it soars effortlessly.
Immature sea eagles are mottled and streaked a slaty brown and can be confused with Wedge-tailed Eagles. These eagles are an apex predator in their ecosystem and control the populations of many species of fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Sea Eagles are magnificent flyers and are normally seen soaring over waterways and nearby land or slowly circling, quartering for prey. They are skilled hunters and have been known to attack prey up to the size of a swan.
Their presence invariably causes consternation amongst the other birds in the area, some of whom are brave enough to harass the eagle to scare it away.
On a recent visit to Ash Island I witnessed a pair of nesting Australian Ravens relentlessly attacking a Sea Eagle and not long afterwards a Whistling Kite, received the same treatment. Both raptors left the area.
They are known to hunt by flying directly into the sun, to avoid making a shadow
White-bellied Sea Eagles feed mostly on aquatic animals, fish, turtles, and sea snakes but will also eat small mammals, birds and carrion found on the waterline. They fly low over the water and grasp the targeted fish in one talon. They are known to hunt by flying directly into the sun, to avoid making a shadow and they steal food from smaller birds, forcing them to drop their prey.
The catch is carried to a "feeding platform" to be torn apart and eaten. Smaller prey may be eaten in flight.
Breeding season is from June to January and Sea Eagles mate for life.
The nest is a large untidy pile of sticks lined with grass and situated in a high tree or on a rocky outcrop and is in a prominent position with a commanding view of the surrounding area. The nest is reused each year and becomes exceptionally large over time.
Two eggs are laid and the downy chicks hatch in 6 weeks.
Once fledged, immature birds disperse, up to 50kms from where they were raised. They will be ready to breed when they are 6 years old.
- Hunter Bird Observer's Club website can be found at: www.hboc.org.au/