Birdsong field guide
Gray-headed Fish-Eagle
Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
A medium-large raptor specialized for aquatic hunting, distinguished by its small gray head, brown upperparts, and white lower belly and tail.
What it sounds like
A loud, resonant, and somewhat mournful series of deep 'kyaw-kyaw-kyaw' or 'honk' notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Possesses specialized rough scales called spicules on the undersides of its toes to securely grip slippery fish.
- Primarily a sit-and-wait hunter, it typically scans for prey from a high perch overhanging water rather than soaring.
- Constructs massive stick nests in tall trees near water bodies, which are often refurbished and reused across multiple breeding seasons.
- The species is currently classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, water pollution, and overfishing in its range.
- Juveniles lack the distinct gray head of adults, instead displaying heavily streaked brown plumage and a dark-tipped tail.
Habitat
Lowland forests adjacent to slow-moving rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and freshwater marshes.
Range
South and Southeast Asia, ranging from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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