Haliaeetus
Quick Summary
The genus Haliaeetus encompasses large, fish-eating eagles, commonly known as sea eagles. These birds are found globally along rivers, large lakes, and tidewaters, with the exception of South America.12
Key characteristics of sea eagles include:
* Size: Some species can reach up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length with a wingspan nearly twice that.1
* Beak and Feet: They possess exceptionally large, high-arched beaks and roughened undersurfaces on their toes for grasping slippery prey.1
* Diet: Primarily fish-eaters, they also consume carrion and are known to steal food from ospreys.1
Notable species include the bald eagle (H. leucocephalus) in North America, Steller's sea eagle (H. pelagicus) in East Asia, and the white-bellied sea eagle (H. leucogaster) found in Australia and Southeast Asia. The African fish eagle (H. vocifer) is a well-known species in Africa.1
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