White-Bellied Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Also known as: White-Bellied Fish-Eagle
About This Species
Found along coastlines, large rivers, and estuarine wetlands, this large raptor is most often seen perching prominently on tall dead trees or rocky outcrops overlooking open water, from which it launches powerful, unhurried flights to snatch fish or sea snakes from the surface. Watch for the striking contrast of white head and underparts against slate-grey upperwings in flight, and listen for the loud, goose-like honking calls that pairs frequently exchange near nest sites. Coastal headlands and tidal flats offer the best views in early morning when birds are actively hunting, with the breeding season — typically May to October in Australian populations — bringing increased activity and territorial calling around established nest trees.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres at all times, increasing to at least 200 metres during the breeding season (typically May–September across much of its range), and use optical aids rather than approaching closer.
- Across its range, it is protected under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, India's Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and various national and regional statutes throughout Southeast Asia, meaning deliberate disturbance, harassment, or collection of eggs and feathers carries significant legal penalties.
- Approach from downwind where possible, avoid prolonged observation that causes repeated flushing from perches or nest sites, and depart immediately if the bird shows signs of agitation such as alarm calling, wing-spreading, or repeated circling overhead.
Seasonal Activity
317,878 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.