Pallas’s Fish-Eagle Bird Details
Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Pallas’s Fish-Eagle,Yellow-billed Fish Eagle;
Pallas Machhli-Chil
Peter Simon Pallas in 1771.
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Haliaeetus
India (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and along the banks of major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra.), Pakistan, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, China, Russia (in parts of Siberia)
Appearance :
Adults have a dark brown body with a white head and tail. The bill is yellow, and they have strikingly bright yellow eyes. Juveniles are darker and lack the white head and tail.
Behaviour :
Diurnal (active during the day). Usually solitary or seen in pairs; may also be found in small groups near abundant food sources.
Habitat :
Freshwater and coastal habitats, particularly near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Often found in regions with abundant fish populations and nesting sites.
Diet :
Fish, particularly catfish and other aquatic species. They hunt by diving into the water from a perch or in flight.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Central and southern Asia, including parts of India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and some areas of Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
The population of Pallas's fish-eagles (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) is estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,499 individuals
Life Span :
Typically 15 to 20 years in the wild, although some individuals may live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Pallas’s Fish-Eagle has a robust and powerful body, well-adapted for hunting and flying over water bodies.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 10 to 11 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively large, with a distinctive white color contrasted against the dark body.
- Bill: The bill is hooked and strong, ideal for catching fish.
- Bill Length: Approximately 6 to 8 cm.
Length :
Typically ranges from 63 to 75 cm (24.8 to 29.5 inches).
Neck :
The neck is moderately long, supporting the large head and aiding in hunting.
Size :
Medium to large.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is relatively short and square-shaped, helping with maneuverability during flight.
- Tail Length: About 20 to 25 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are dense and waterproof, providing insulation and aiding in flight. The adult plumage is characterized by dark brown and white feathers.
Weight :
Weighs between 2.5 to 4.5 kg (5.5 to 10 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are broad and long, with a slightly rounded shape that helps in soaring and gliding over water bodies.
Wing Span :
Wingspan can range from 160 to 190 cm (63 to 75 inches),.
Facial Feature :
The face is prominent, with a strong, hooked beak and striking yellow eyes, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Pallas’s Fish-Eagle constructs large, sturdy nests near water bodies, often in tall trees or on cliffs.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are made of large sticks, branches, and other plant materials, sometimes lined with softer materials such as grass and moss.
Breeding Season :
Generally occurs between late winter and early spring
Nesting Season :
Typically between January and April.
Egg Color :
Eggs are usually pale bluish or greenish in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 6.5 to 7.5 cm (2.6 to 3 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 4.5 to 5.5 cm (1.8 to 2.2 inches).
- Egg Weight: Approximately 150 to 200 grams (5.3 to 7 oz) per egg.
Clutch Size :
Generally consists of 1 to 3 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically, there is one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 35 to 40 days.
Nestling Period :
Young birds fledge approximately 70 to 90 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
Calls are generally a series of high-pitched whistles or chattering sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are typically larger than males.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Pallas’s Fish-Eagle populations are mostly sedentary, but some may undertake partial migrations depending on food availability and environmental conditions.
- Migration Period: Migratory behavior is observed mainly in some populations during the winter months, generally from September to October and returning in March to April.
- Migration Route: Migrating birds may follow river valleys and lakes, traveling from breeding grounds in central Asia to wintering grounds in lower altitudes or more temperate regions.