Icthyophaga humilis
The Lesser Fish Eagle (*Icthyophaga humilis*) is a medium-sized, specialized raptor of Asian inland waters, reaching lengths of 51-64 cm (20-25 in) with a wingspan of 120-165 cm (47-65 in) and weighing 780-1600 g (1.7-3.5 lbs). Its plumage is predominantly dark brown on the upperparts, contrasting with a paler, often grayish-brown head and neck, and distinctive white belly, undertail coverts, and unfeathered thighs. Key field marks include these white thighs, yellow unfeathered tarsi, and a d...
Primarily inhabits lowland to submontane forested rivers, lakes, and large streams, favoring clear-water systems with tall trees for perching and nesting, up to 2,400 meters elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, especially larger species, caught by plunge-diving from a perch; occasionally takes crabs, frogs, small birds, and carrion.
Lesser Fish Eagles are diurnal predators, typically perching for long periods on prominent branches overlooking water before making a swift attack. Their primary foraging strategy involves plunge-diving to snatch fish from the water's surface or just below, rarely fully submerging. They are large...
The Lesser Fish Eagle is distributed across a wide but fragmented range in South and Southeast Asia. Its breeding and resident range extends from the Himalayan foothills (including parts of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan) eastward through Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambo...
Near Threatened
- It is one of the smallest true fish eagles globally, yet capable of catching fish surprisingly large relative to its own body size. - Its unfeathered, scaly tarsi (legs) are a distinct adaptation for fishing, preventing waterlogging and improving grip on slippery prey. - Often considered an ind...