Previously known as Haliaeetus vocifer.
Adults are unmistakable, with their white head, breast and tail contrasting with their black and chestnut wings, back and underparts. Females larger and more extensively white on breast than males.
Juvenile is a motley looking brown-and-white streaked bird that is easily misidentified. Head mostly white, streaked with brown, with a dark eye stripe. Tail distinctive, longer than the adult’s, white with a broad, dark brown terminal bar. Gradually neatens with age, taking 4 – 5 years to acquire adult plumage.
63 – 73 cm. 2 – 3.8 kg.
Common resident. Pairs live year-round in territories on large rivers, lakes, estuaries and lagoons. Preys mainly on fish, but also scavenges carcasses, robs nestling from heronries, catches ducks and other birds, and steals fish and other preys from storks, pelicans and other waterbirds.
Birds of Southern Africa (2020).
F*CK FISH 