Fun White-bellied Sea Eagle Facts For Kids
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There are a total of 60 different species of eagles in the world. The white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is one among the same family.
White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are carnivorous birds and they prefer living in terrestrial habitats. These eagles are seen in southern China, Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They are seen in southeast Asia, including India, Singapore, Philippians, and Indonesia.
Female white-bellied sea eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) are slightly bigger as compared to the males. White-bellied sea eagles are monogamous birds and mate for life until their partner dies. These eagles are largely sedentary and leave their habitat range only when their habitat range is exhausted of its food sources.
This eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is a loud species and can be spotted easily from a distance as long as one observes. They make use of certain vocalizations specifically during the breeding season. These are also using during courtship rituals.
For more relatable content, check out these fact files on the pelican and the green heron.
White-Bellied Sea Eagle Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a white-bellied sea eagle?
The white-bellied sea eagle is a type of eagle that belongs to the kingdom Animalia and order Accipitriformes.
What class of animal does a white-bellied sea eagle belong to?
The white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is a type of bird that belongs to class Aves, family Accipitridae and genus Haliaeetus.
How many white-bellied sea eagles are there in the world?
The white-bellied sea eagle's exact population is estimated at 1000-10,000 birds. However, their populations have been estimated to be decreasing, although they are classified as a Least Concern species by the IUCN Red List.
Where does a white-bellied sea eagle live?
These eagles live on coasts along oceans and they are also seen in forested regions with suitable trees. Wedge-tailed eagles are dark-colored. They are also seen in southern China, Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia including India, Singapore, Philippians, and Indonesia.
What is a white-bellied sea eagle's habitat?
The white-bellied sea eagle habitat constitutes terrestrial regions, including ocean coasts, islands, lakes, rivers, and ponds. They can also be seen in regions with suitable trees to rest.
Who do white-bellied sea eagles live with?
These eagles are solitary beings, but once they mate, they stay with their mate for life. After one of them dies, they find another partner and if you spot these birds of prey, its usually always in pairs.
How long does a white-bellied sea eagle live?
The white-bellied sea eagle has a lifespan of 30 years.. The oldest eagle was a golden eagle that lived for 33 years.
How do they reproduce?
A male white-bellied sea eagle and a female white-bellied sea eagle are monogamous in nature. Breeding pairs travel together and are involved greatly in raising their young. They also perform courtship rituals that include loud calls.
Pairs remain together for life and find a new mate only once one from the pair dies. Pairs build a nest on tall trees and the female lays two eggs. The white-bellied sea eagle eggs are small to medium-sized and the two eggs are laid distanced from each other in the same nest.
One egg out of the two is, in most instances, infertile. The incubation period lasts six weeks. The eaglets become independent in six months.
What is their conservation status?
The majestic white-bellied sea eagle is classified as a Least Concern species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature IUCN Red List of Threatened species. The IUCN Red List also contains information related to the white-bellied sea eagle range map and other related information which you might find insightful.
White-Bellied Sea Eagle Fun Facts
What do white-bellied sea eagles look like?
The white-bellied sea eagle adult plumage is primarily gray and black with a white head and belly and underwing coverts. Their breast underwing too is light in color.
The dark colors are mostly constituted on its back and wings. A white-bellied sea eagle eye color is dark brown, and they have a dark brown sharp beak or large hooked bill which is pointed enough to penetrate through their prey.
They have sharp eyesight and can spot prey easily. White-bellied sea eagle feathers are mixed in color and layered and a white-bellied sea eagle tail is pointed while in flight and is short in size and wedge-shaped.
These eagles have sharp claws on their feet which they use to carry their prey and get a grip while landing. Their legs and feet are relatively short.
Their legs and feet are light-colored as well. Their wingspan is 70.9-86.6 in (1.8-2.2 m) and this bird is viewed best when in flight.
How cute are they?
These birds of prey are not ideally cute, however, they are exotic beings and a true sight to see for all birdwatchers or bird enthusiasts. Their back and wings are dark-colored and the head and underparts are white in color.
They have a tail that is short and wedge-shaped. If you spot them, its best if the bird is viewed from underneath since you can see a full display of their wings.
How do they communicate?
A white-bellied sea eagle call is produced using their large hooked bill and throat of different kinds to communicate via vocalizations, some loud and others are softer. They are also identified by their croaking sound when they are threatened.
They communicate to their mates once they form pairs and have a set of courtship rituals which they utilize to communicate to each other.
How big is a white-bellied sea eagle?
A white-bellied sea eagle is 29.5-33.1 in (75-84 cm) in length, which is 20 times bigger than a nicobar pigeon which is 16 in (40.6 cm).
How fast can a white-bellied sea eagle fly?
These eagles fly at relatively good speeds and can easily spot their prey owing to their sharp eyesight. The fastest bird species is the peregrine falcon which can travel up to 200 mph (321.9 kph). This is followed by the golden eagle which can fly 149.1-198.8 mph (240-320 kph).
How much does a white-bellied sea eagle weigh?
A white-bellied sea eagle weighs 4.8-6.6 lb (2.2-3.0 kg). The heaviest eagle in the world is the Steller's sea eagle which weighs 11-20 lb (5-9.1 kg).
What are the male and female names of the species?
Male and females are not addressed differently. They come together during the breeding season and stay with their mate for life. They differ in reproductive functions, and females tend to be bigger in size as compared to males.
What would you call a baby white-bellied sea eagle?
A juvenile white-bellied sea eagle is called an eaglet. The juvenile is born without feathers at birth and develops over a couple of months. The parent eagles assist the young until they become independent and are raised with equal efforts from both the male and female.
What do they eat?
They consume a carnivorous diet. Their food consists of sea snakes, aquatic animals, including fish and turtles. They are commonly seen in coastal regions near the waterline and feed on leftover carnivorous material left by foxes or other carnivorous beings.
Are they poisonous?
N, this species is not poisonous; however, these eagles are harmful to those who harm them. They use their sharp claws and beaks while attacking. It is best to observe them from a distance.
Would they make a good pet?
No, these eagles are innately wild birds, and if you live in regions native to the species, you can find them near water bodies like oceans and seas. Certain eagles are raised in captivity and trained by professionals in the field to be kept as pets. It is essential to ensure the legalities of owning such exotic beings.
Did you know...
Eagles hold great cultural significance to indigenous tribes in Australia. The white-bellied sea eagle is not native to Australia, however they are seen in parts of Australia. Another eagle found popularly in Australia is the wedge-tailed eagle. Eagles are the subject in various folk tales.
Through the breeding season, the breeding pair of eagles spend three to six weeks modifying their nests of any faults before laying eggs. This occurs each breeding season.
What's special about white-bellied sea eagles?
White-bellied sea eagles are known as white-breasted eagles. They are primarily distinguished by their white head and belly and gray to dark plumage. Their unique appearance sets them apart from other species of eagles. Their name is derived from the Ancient Greek 'leuko' meaning 'white' and 'gaster belly.'
Are white-bellied sea eagles endangered?
White-bellied sea eagles are not endangered and are classified as a Least Concern species by the IUCN Red List. Although, their populations have been recorded to be steadily declining. This is primarily due to loss of habitat and predatory threats, including hawks and raccoons.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these painted bunting facts and shrike facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our Sea Eagle coloring pages.
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Christian MbaBachelor of Science specializing in Computer Science
Christian Mba is an experienced blogger and content writer with over a decade of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Nigeria and has a keen interest in Python programming. Along with his writing and blogging expertise, he is also an SEO specialist with more than six years of experience. Chris, as he is commonly known, has a passion for music and enjoys playing the piano.
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