Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus) is a formidable raptor, a master of aquatic environments across South and Southeast Asia. This large fish eagle measures 61–75 cm (24–30 in) in length with a wingspan of 155–170 cm (61–67 in), with females weighing 2.3–2.7 kg (5.1–6.0 lb) and males 1.6–2.3 kg (3.5–5.1 lb), exhibiting moderate sexual dimorphism. Its distinctive field marks include a dark grey head that contrasts sharply with its brown upperparts and pristine white belly and ...
Found in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily frequenting large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, coastal lagoons, and estuaries, generally at low to moderate elevations.
The primary diet consists of fish, supplemented by crabs, frogs, snakes, waterbirds, small mammals, and carrion, typically snatched from the water's surface or captured in shallow areas.
Grey-headed Fish Eagles are diurnal predators, often spending extended periods perched on prominent snags or tall trees overlooking water bodies, from which they launch their hunting forays. Their primary foraging strategy involves swooping down to snatch fish from or near the water's surface wit...
The Grey-headed Fish Eagle is a resident species distributed across a broad swathe of South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from India and Sri Lanka eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi), and the Philipp...
Near Threatened
- Their feet are equipped with specialized spicules on the pads and sharp, curved talons, providing an exceptional grip on slippery fish. - Despite their large size, they are remarkably agile and can carry fish weighing almost as much as their own body weight. - The species name 'ichthyaetus' is ...