White-Bellied Sea-Eagle

White-bellied sea eagles are imposing coastal raptors with white heads, necks and underparts contrasting with dark-gray backs and wings. Their range extends from India and southern China through Southeast Asia to New Guinea, Australia and Tasmania. They occur near coasts, islands and estuaries but also follow major rivers and occupy forests beside inland lakes. Large wedge-shaped tails and broad wings create a distinctive silhouette in flight. (Animal Diversity Web)

These eagles take fish and other aquatic prey from the water’s surface, while birds, mammals, reptiles and carrion supplement their diet. Mated pairs perform conspicuous aerial displays involving circling, diving and occasionally locking talons. They build enormous reusable stick nests in tall trees, on cliffs or sometimes in lower vegetation. Both parents incubate and guard the nestlings, which remain dependent for several months after hatching. (Animal Diversity Web)