With its striking white belly, dark wings, and piercing eyes, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is one of the most impressive birds you’ll spot along the Agnes Water coastline. As one of Australia’s largest raptors, it commands attention as it soars high above beaches, rivers, and estuaries—often with barely a single wingbeat.
These majestic eagles are expert hunters, gliding effortlessly before swooping down to snatch fish, turtles, or even sea snakes from the water with razor-sharp talons. They’re often seen perched in tall trees near the coast, keeping a lookout over their territory.
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
WhiteBellied Sea Eagle, Credit: Tony Phelps
WhiteBellied Sea Eagle, Credit Tony Phelps
WhiteBellied Sea Eagle, Credit Stephen Goldsworthy
WhiteBellied Sea Eagle, Credit Jill Andrew
Bird Description:
Special features:
Size: Adults measure between 75–85 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 1.78 to 2.2 meters.
Plumage: They have a white head, rump, and underparts, contrasted by dark grey back and wings.
Flight Appearance: In flight, the black flight feathers on the wings are easily seen when the bird is viewed from below.
Tail: The tail is short and wedge-shaped, typical of sea eagles.
Beak and Talons: They possess a large, hooked grey beak with a darker tip and long black talons.
Did you know?:
Additionally, BirdLife Australia’s EagleCAM project provides a live stream of a White-bellied Sea-Eagle nest, offering a unique glimpse into their nesting behavior:
BirdLife Australia
EagleCAM – BirdLife Australia
https://birdlife.org.au/discover-birds/watching-birds/eagle-cam/
View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/white-bellied-sea-eagle/
Preferred Habitat:
Native Plants Beneficial for White-bellied Sea-Eagles
1. Tall Trees for Nesting and Perching: These eagles prefer large, mature trees near coastlines or waterways for nesting and perching. Suitable species include:
Eucalyptus species (e.g., Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus tereticornis): Provide sturdy branches and are common in coastal areas.
Casuarina species (She-oaks): Offer dense foliage and are often found near water bodies.
Melaleuca species (Paperbarks): Thrive in wetland areas and can support nesting.
bedfordaudubon.org
2. Understory Plants Supporting Prey Species: A diverse understory encourages a robust food web, supporting fish, reptiles, and small mammals that eagles prey upon. Consider planting:
Banksia species: Attract insects and birds, contributing to the food chain.
Acacia species (Wattles): Provide shelter and food for various fauna.
Lomandra species: Offer ground cover and habitat for small animals.
3. Riparian and Wetland Vegetation: Maintaining native vegetation along waterways supports fish populations and provides hunting grounds for eagles. Include:
Juncus species (Rushes): Stabilize banks and support aquatic life.
Phragmites australis (Common Reed): Offers habitat for fish and amphibians.
Triglochin species (Water Ribbons): Support aquatic invertebrates.
4. Coastal Vegetation: In coastal areas, preserving native dune and mangrove vegetation is crucial. Species such as:
Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove): Provide fish nursery habitats.
Spinifex sericeus (Beach Spinifex): Stabilize dunes and support coastal ecosystems.
By planting and conserving these native species, you contribute to a habitat that supports the White-bellied Sea-Eagle’s nesting, perching, and hunting needs.
Location: 1770 - Joseph Banks Cons Park Nth, 1770 - LARC Bird Tour, Deepwater NP, Ocean Beaches, Rural Properties and Town
Size: Large
Type of bird: Birds of Prey