AFRICAN FISH EAGLE
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Haliaeetus vocifer
IUCN RED LIST (Global status): Least concern
RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS (Regional status): (Not listed)
POPULATION
The IUCN notes the population is stable.
KNOW YOUR AFRICAN FISH EAGLE
Fish Eagles are most commonly recognised by their call – a call that tends to embody the continent of Africa. They have distinct white heads and upper bodies, brown lower bodies, yellow legs and dark wings.




WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?
Fish Eagles are found throughout much of Africa, as far north as Mauritania.
WHAT HABITAT DO AFRICAN FISH EAGLES LIKE?
Fish Eagles are usually found close to the water – like at dams, lakes and wetlands.
THREATS
African Fish Eagles are affected by pesticides in water bodies – specifically a problem in South Africa. However, they are not believed to be impacted by habitat loss.
ACTION TO SAVE OUR AFRICAN FISH EAGLES
For the Overberg Crane Group, it’s helpful to monitor the numbers of Fish Eagles here, to ensure these species don’t become increasingly threatened.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES/RED DATA BOOK OF BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Not Evaluated | Data Deficient | Least Concern | Near Threatened | Vulnerable | Endangered | Critically endangered | Extinct in the wild | Extinct |
DEAD OR INJURED BIRDS
Blue Cranes and other birds are often found dead or injured in the Overberg. Please report dead or injured birds to our OCG Extension Officer, Christie Craig by email to support@bluecrane.org.za or phone 066 289 5988.
REPORT RINGED BIRDS
Hundreds of Blue Cranes have had rings placed on their legs over the years. We use these rings to identify Blue Cranes. With this information, we can learn more about them. If you see a Blue Crane with rings on its legs, please let us know.
SUPPORT
The Overberg Crane Group is the only organisation dedicated to protecting our Overberg's birds, like Blue Cranes and Cape Vultures. We need your help to protect our threatened bird species from possible future extinction.
BIRDLASSER APP
There’s a convenient way for bird lovers to note the birds they see – using the BirdLasser app. You can download the BirdLasser app to your cellphone. It’s also a great tool for bird lovers to keep accurate records of their sightings



