Icthyophaga vocifer

(Daudin, 1800)

Vernacular names
English : African fish-eagle
French : Pygargue vocifer

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Formerly placed in genus Haliaeetus.

Identification
One of the smallest members of its genus, reaching 75 cm long for a weight of 3,5 kg and wingspan of 210 cm. Yellow eye-ring, face skin and cere, black bill. White head, back and breast, chestnut brown belly and wings, dark flight feathers.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania to South Sudan and Ethiopia, southwards to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Lives near edges of lakes, rivers and swamps. Also visits coastlines.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is common to abundant in most of its range. Declines have occurred locally because of water pollution and persecution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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