Gray-headed Fish-Eagle Bird Details
Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
Gray-headed Fish-Eagle,Grey-headed Sea Eagle;
Machlimar Ukaab
Savigny, 1809
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Icthyophaga
India (Himalayan foothills, northeastern India, and the Western Ghats.), Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of China.
Appearance :
The Gray-headed Fish-Eagle has a distinctive grayish head and upper breast, a white belly, and a dark brown body. It has a short, white tail with a black terminal band, yellow eyes, and strong talons designed for catching fish.
Behaviour :
Primarily hunts near water bodies for fish but will also prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Slow and deliberate with broad wings; often seen soaring above rivers and lakes.
Habitat :
Found near large freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Also inhabits coastal regions, mangroves, and estuaries. Prefers habitats with thick vegetation and forested areas near water sources.
Diet :
Primarily piscivorous (fish-eater), it hunts fish from rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Occasionally feeds on small reptiles, amphibians, and carrion.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Found across parts of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Population Size :
The population of the grey-headed fish eagle (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus) is estimated to be between 10,000 and 100,000 mature individuals.
Life Span :
Typical lifespan is around 20 to 30 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The body is robust and muscular, suited for hunting fish near water. The bird has a compact build with broad wings and a strong, hooked beak.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 7.5–9 cm. The tarsus (lower leg) is short, sturdy, and covered with rough scales to help grasp slippery prey like fish.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is grayish, with a sharp, prominent hooked bill, yellow eyes, and an intense expression that is characteristic of raptors.
- Bill: The bill is black and hooked at the tip for tearing into fish. It is strong and powerful.
- Bill Length: Around 4–5 cm.
Length :
Ranges between 65–75 cm from head to tail.
Neck :
Relatively short and thick, allowing for stability and strength when swooping down to grab prey.
Size :
A medium to large raptor, larger than many other eagle species in its range.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and broad, white with a distinctive black terminal band.
- Tail Length: Approximately 20–25 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are dense and waterproof, especially on the wings and tail. The body feathers are generally brown, while the head and chest are grayish white, giving the bird its "gray-headed" appearance.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 2.5 to 3.7 kg
Wing :
The wings are broad and rounded, designed for soaring flight and slow, deliberate flapping near water bodies.
Wing Span :
Ranges between 1.55–1.75 meters (155–175 cm).
Facial Feature :
The facial features include yellow eyes, a gray head, and a strong hooked beak. There are no distinctive facial markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Large platform nests built high in tall trees near water bodies like rivers or lakes.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is constructed from sticks and branches, often lined with green leaves, grasses, and softer materials for cushioning.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically starts between November and April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting occurs during the breeding period, usually between December and March.
Egg Color :
Eggs are typically dull white or slightly off-white in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 65–72 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Around 50–55 mm in width.
- Egg Weight: Eggs weigh approximately 100–110 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size is generally 1 to 2 eggs, though sometimes 3 eggs may be laid.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 40–45 days
Nestling Period :
The nestlings fledge after approximately 65–70 days from hatching.
Vocalization :
Vocalizations are harsh, loud, and guttural. They often give a series of klu-klu-klu calls, especially during territorial displays or before dawn.
Sex Demorphism :
There is little visible sexual dimorphism in this species. However, females tend to be slightly larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: The Gray-headed Fish-Eagle is mostly resident and non-migratory, though some individuals may make local movements in response to changes in water levels or food availability.
Migration Period: As the species is generally non-migratory, there is no specific migration period.
Migration Route: No long-distance migration route is followed by this species. Local movements are confined to nearby water bodies and forested areas within its range.