An adult White Bellied Sea Eagle at Hiyare Forest.
An adult White Bellied Sea Eagle atWilpattu National Park
Immature Bird at Hiyare Forest.
Close up of an immature White Bellied Sea Eagle.
The White Bellied Sea Eagles
(Haliaeetus leucogaster) are a common sight in coastal areas, but may also be
seen well inland. They have a white head, rump and under parts, and dark or
slate-grey 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
leaden blue-grey with a darker tip, and the irides are dark brown. The cere is
also lead grey. The legs and feet are yellow or grey, with long black talons. A
young white-bellied sea eagle in its first year is predominantly brown, with
pale cream-streaked plumage on their head, neck, nape and rump areas. The
plumage becomes more infiltrated with white until it acquires the complete
adult plumage by the fourth or fifth year.
The white-bellied sea eagle
is an opportunistic carnivore and consumes a wide variety of animal prey,
including carrion. It often catches a fish by flying low over the water and
grasping it in its talons. A pair of white-bellied sea eagles performs skillful
displays of flying before copulation: diving, gliding and chasing each other
while calling loudly. They may mirror each other, The white-bellied sea eagle
usually chooses tall trees or man-made pylons to nest in. The nest is a large
deep bowl constructed of sticks and branches, and lined with such materials as
grass or seaweed. (Wikipedia)
