The Majestic White Bellied Seaeagle @ Lor Halus(Red Bridge)-Singapore

The White-bellied Sea Eagle is generally territorial; some birds form permanent pairs that inhabit territories throughout the year, while others are nomadic. The species is monogamous, with pairs remaining together until one bird dies, after which the surviving bird quickly seeks a new mate. This can lead to some nest sites being continuously occupied for many years (one site in Mallacoota was occupied for over fifty years).[18] Immature birds are generally dispersive, with many moving over 50 km (30 mi) away from the area they were raised. One juvenile raised in Cowell, South Australia was reported 3000 km (1800 mi) away at Fraser Island in Queensland.[38] A study of the species in Jervis Bay showed increases in the numbers of immature and subadult birds in autumn, although it was unclear whether these were locally fledged or (as was considered more likely) an influx of young birds born and raised elsewhere in Australia.[39] Birds are often seen perched high in a tree, or soaring over waterways and adjacent land. They are most commonly encountered singly or in pairs. Small groups of White-bellied Sea Eagles sometimes gather if there is a plentiful source of food such as a carcass or fish offal on a ship.[18] Much of the White-bellied Sea Eagle's behaviour, particularly breeding, remains poorly known.[40]
Feeding[edit]
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is an opportunistic carnivore and consumes a wide variety of animal prey, including carrion.[38] It often catches a fish by flying low over the water and grasping it in its talons.[12] It prepares for the strike by holding its feet far forward (almost under its chin) and then strikes backwards while simultaneously beating its wings to lift upwards. Generally only one foot is used to seize prey.[38] The White-bellied Sea Eagle may also dive at a 45 degree angle from its perch and briefly submerge to catch fish near the water surface.[38] While hunting over water on sunny days, it often flies directly into the sun or at right angles to it, seemingly to avoid casting shadows over the water and hence alerting potential prey.The White-bellied Sea Eagle hunts mainly aquatic animals, such as fish, turtles and sea snakes,[42] but it takes birds, such as Little Penguins, Eurasian Coots and shearwaters, and mammals as well.[12] In the Bismarck Archipelago it has been reported feeding on two possum species, the Northern Common Cuscus and Common Spotted Cuscus.[43] It is a skilled hunter, and will attack prey up to the size of a swan. They also feed on carrion such as dead sheep, birds and fish found along the waterline, as well as raiding fishing nets and following cane harvesters.[12][38]
They harass smaller raptors such as Swamp Harriers, Whistling Kites, Brahminy Kites and Ospreys, forcing them to drop any food that they are carrying.[12][38] Other birds victimised include Silver and Pacific Gulls, cormorants and Australasian Gannets. There is one record of a White-bellied Sea Eagle seizing a gannet when unsuccessful in obtaining its prey. They may even steal food from their own species, including their mates. The White-bellied Sea Eagle attacks these birds by striking them with outstretched talons from above or by flying upside down underneath the smaller predator and snatching the prey, all the while screeching shrilly.[38] Southern Fur Seals have also been targeted for their fish.[44]
White-bellied Sea Eagles feed alone, in pairs, or in family groups. A pair may cooperate to hunt.[38] Prey can be eaten while the bird is flying or when it lands on a raised platform such as its nest. The White-bellied Sea Eagle skins the victim as it eats it.[38] It is exceptionally efficient at digesting its food, and disgorges only tiny pellets of fragmented bone, fur and feathers.[21]
A 2006 study of inland bodies of water around Canberra where Wedge-tailed Eagles and White-bellied Sea Eagles share territories showed little overlap in the range of prey taken. Wedge-tailed Eagles took rabbits, various macropods, terrestrial birds such as cockatoos and parrots, and various passerines including magpies and starlings. White-bellied Sea Eagles caught fish, water-dwelling reptiles such as the eastern long-necked turtle and Australian water dragon, and waterbirds such as ducks, grebes and coots. Both species preyed on the Maned Duck. Rabbits constituted only a small fraction of the White-bellied Sea Eagle's diet. Despite nesting near each other, the two species seldom interacted, as the Wedge-tailed Eagles hunted away from water and the White-bellied Sea Eagles foraged along the lake shores.[45] However, conflict with Wedge-tailed Eagles over nesting sites in remnant trees has been recorded in Tasmania.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-be...

[@huijiantan]

Hi nice video. May I know where did you shoot this video? What len are you using?

[@13seaeagle]

Hi Tan, this video taken on the Red bridge @ Lor Halus Wetland. Using only a Canon Powershot SX20is.

[@huijiantan]

Thanks for the reply. May I know when is the best time of the year to capture the eagles? Is it may and june during the mating season?