White-bellied Sea Eagle

Adults are unmistakable — white head, breast and tail set against slate-grey wings and back — while immatures stay mostly brown for their first four to five years.

Males run 66–80cm; females are larger still, with a wingspan up to 2.2m.

Ranges from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to the Australian coast, favouring shorelines and large waterways where it hunts fish in low, skimming strikes, alongside reptiles, waterbirds and carrion.

Pairs mate for life and build large stick nests in tall trees.

Globally Least Concern, but under pressure from habitat loss in parts of Southeast Asia and southeastern Australia.