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The white bellied sea eagle is also known as the White Bellied Fish Eagle or the White Breasted Sea Eagle. These birds are noticeable by their white head, white rump and under parts and dark grey on the 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 grey with a darker tip, and the eye is dark brown. The legs and feet are cream-white, with long black talons (claws). The sexes are similar. Males (around 75 cm in height) are slightly smaller than females (up to 85 cm). The wingspan is about 2 m. Young Sea-eagles are brown when juveniles then gradually come to resemble adults, acquiring the complete adult plumage by their fourth year.
They are located in coastal regions around Australia. Birds form permanent pairs that inhabit territories throughout the year. Their loud "goose-like" honking call is a familiar sound, particularly during the breeding season. Birds are normally seen, perched high in a tree, or soaring over costal waters adjacent to the Whitsunday Islands. It nests, usually close to other White-bellied Sea-eagles, in large nests in trees or on coastal ycliffs. The White-bellied Sea-eagle feeds mainly off aquatic animals, such as fish, turtles and sea snakes, but it takes birds and mammals as well. It is a skilled hunter, and will attack prey up to the size of a swan. They will harass smaller birds like Ospreys, forcing them to drop any food that they are carrying. Sea-eagles feed alone, in pairs or in family groups.
The White-bellied Sea-eagle is the second largest bird of prey found in Australia. The largest is the Wedge-tailed Eagle. The sea eagle catches its prey when it comes close enough to the surface of the sea seized with its talons without getting wet. The white-bellied sea eagle lives in pairs, most likely mating for life. Mating season is between (October and June). Usually you will see an amazing display across the water in this time when the male swoons and calls the female. During mating season There are 3 main threats to these magnificent birds: 1. Habitat destruction is the most significant threat, which often causes the birds to nest in less suitable (more vulnerable) sites 2. Less fish populations close to shore due to over commercialised fishing may also be a threat 3. These birds are easily disturbed by loud noises, such as road building etc They are listed as marine and migratory under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
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