WHITE
BELLIED SEA EAGLES - ENVIRONMENT
News: Coastal raptors make power towers
their home
What's
in the news?
●
White-bellied Sea eagles in India are
beginning to emulate their counterparts in Australia and Thailand by making
their homes on power towers holding high-tension wires.
White-bellied
Sea Eagle:
●
Haliaeetus leucogaster
is a magnificent bird of prey that calls the coastal regions of the Indian
subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia its home.
●
Known for its impressive size, powerful
flight, and distinctive appearance, this sea eagle plays a vital role in
maintaining the ecological balance of its habitats.
Physical
Characteristics:
●
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a large
raptor, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet).
●
Its plumage ranges from dark brown on the
upperparts to a striking white on the head, neck, and underparts.
●
One of its most recognizable features is
its striking white head and tail feathers, which contrast with the dark body.
●
The powerful yellow beak and legs further
add to its distinct appearance.
Habitat
and Distribution:
●
White-bellied Sea Eagles are resident
raptors found along the sea coast of India, from Mumbai to the eastern coast of
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and coastal south-eastern Asia to southern China and
Australia.
●
The eagles have a wide distribution range
across coastal regions.
●
These
diurnal monogamous birds of prey mainly feed on sea snakes and fish.
●
They are occasionally seen in inland
waters along tidal rivers and freshwater lakes.
Conservation
Status:
●
White-bellied Sea Eagles are currently
classified as of "least
concern" on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
●
Monitoring this changing nesting behaviour
and assessing its long-term impact on the eagles' population and behaviour is
crucial for their conservation.