White-Bellied Sea Eagle by stuart83

Photography • Animals • posted on Sep 06, 2009

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Description

The White-bellied Sea-eagle is one of the largest raptors in Southeast Asia, and the second largest bird of prey in Australia after the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) which stands up to 1 m. The sea eagle is white on the head, rump and underparts and dark grey on the back and wings. In flight the black flight feathers on the wings are easily seen when the bird is viewed from below. The large, hooked bill is a lead blue-grey with a darker tip, and the eye is dark brown. The cere is also lead grey. The legs and feet are yellow or grey, with long black talons. The sexes are similar. Males are 70-80 cm (28-32 in) and weigh 1.8-3 kg (4-6.6 lb). Females are slightly larger, at 80-90 cm (32-36 in) and 2.5-4.5 kg (5.5-10 lb). The wingspan ranges from 1.8 to 2.2 m (6-7 ft). They soar on thermals holding their wings in a 'V' shape, unlike other raptors who hold them horizontally. Young Sea-eagles in their first year are predominantly brown. Their plumage becomes more infiltrated with white until they acquire the complete adult plumage by their fourth or fifth year. The loud "goose-like" honking call is a familiar sound, particularly during the breeding season; pairs often honk in unison. Thanks for looking, Stuart