Updated
African fish eagle Uganda is the iconic raptor of Uganda’s lakes and rivers, its distinctive call one of the defining sounds of the African waterway. The African fish eagle is a large eagle with a white head, chest and tail, a chestnut body and black wings, and its ringing, gull-like call is one of the classic sounds of African lakes and rivers. It is common across Uganda wherever there is open water, from Lake Victoria at Entebbe to the Kazinga Channel, the Nile in Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo. It appears on the national emblems of several African countries.
The African fish eagle: Uganda’s iconic waterway raptor
How it hunts
Fish eagles perch high in trees above the water, then swoop down and grab fish near the surface with their talons, often catfish and tilapia, usually weighing up to 1 to 2 kg. They also take waterbirds, and steal fish from other birds. Pairs hold territories along shorelines and call to each other, throwing their heads back, especially at dawn.
Breeding
Pairs stay together for years and build large stick nests in tall trees near water, adding to them each season. They usually lay one to three eggs. Young birds are brown and take several years to gain the adult white head, so you will often see mottled immature birds too.
Where to see it
Fish eagles are seen on almost every boat trip, including the Kazinga Channel, the Murchison launch, Lake Mburo and Mabamba. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, the marabou stork and Uganda birding.
Frequently asked questions
On lakes and rivers across the country, especially on boat trips.
Mainly fish, plus some waterbirds.
They are brown and take several years to develop the white head.
A loud, ringing, gull-like call, often given by pairs.
