# African Fish Eagle > The African fish eagle is a large eagle with a white head, chestnut body and black wings, seen perched in riverside trees all along the Nile in Murchison Falls. Its ringing, far-carrying call is one of the best-known sounds of Africa. It is common and present all year. Source: https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/african-fish-eagle Bird · Resident *Icthyophaga vocifer* ## In brief The African fish eagle is a large eagle with a white head, chestnut body and black wings, seen perched in riverside trees all along the Nile in Murchison Falls. Its ringing, far-carrying call is one of the best-known sounds of Africa. It is common and present all year. ## How to identify the African fish eagle Adults have a snow-white head, chest and tail, a chestnut belly and shoulders, black wings and a yellow face with a dark-tipped bill. Young birds are streaky brown and take about five years to gain adult plumage. ## Where to see the African fish eagle in Murchison Falls National Park Along the Nile throughout the park: on dead trees and tall figs on the banks, and on every boat cruise to the bottom of the Falls or to the delta. ## Habitat Large rivers, lakes and swamps with tall trees for perching and nesting. ## What the African fish eagle eats Mainly fish caught near the surface, snatched with the feet in a shallow swoop. It also takes waterbirds and will steal fish from other birds. ## Behaviour Pairs hold a stretch of river all year and are often seen sitting together. They throw their heads back to call, frequently in duet. Females are noticeably larger than males. ## Best time to see the African fish eagle All year. Resident, here all year. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. Further reading: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_fish_eagle). ## At a glance - **Scientific name**: Icthyophaga vocifer - **Family**: Accipitridae (hawks and eagles) - **Also called**: Formerly Haliaeetus vocifer - **Presence**: Resident, here all year - **Best time to see it**: All year - **Chance of seeing it**: Seen on most visits - **Size**: 63–75 cm long; wingspan about 2 m in males and up to 2.4 m in females - **Conservation status**: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) Seen on - [Nile River Cruises](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/activities/nile-river-cruises) - [Bird Watching](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/activities/bird-watching) - [Sport Fishing](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/activities/sport-fishing) [Plan your stay](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/contact?topic=Accommodation+and+reservations#enquire) Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933) ## Questions about the African fish eagle ### How do I recognise an African fish eagle? Look for a big eagle with a pure white head, chest and tail, a chestnut body and black wings, perched upright in a tree beside the water. ### What does the African fish eagle sound like? A loud, ringing series of yelps, "weee-ah, hyo-hyo-hyo", given with the head thrown back. Pairs often call together. ## The African fish eagle in our journal - [Murchison Falls National Park: A Bird Watcher’s Paradise](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/journal/murchison-falls-national-park-a-bird-watchers-paradise) (Wildlife & Nature 10 May 2025, 2 min read): Nestled in the heart of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is more than just a haven for iconic wildlife; it’s a bird watcher’s dream come true. With over 450 bird species soaring through its vast skies… ## More birds - [Goliath Heron](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/goliath-heron) (Bird · Resident): The Goliath heron is the largest heron in the world, standing up to a metre and a half tall. In Murchison Falls it hunts alone in the shallows of the… - [Grey Crowned Crane](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/grey-crowned-crane) (Bird · Resident · Endangered): The grey crowned crane is Uganda's national bird and appears on the national flag. It is a tall grey crane with a crown of stiff golden feathers, fou… - [Abyssinian Ground Hornbill](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/abyssinian-ground-hornbill) (Bird · Resident · Vulnerable): The Abyssinian ground hornbill is a turkey-sized black bird that walks through the grassland in pairs or small family groups. Murchison Falls is one… [All birds](https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/birds) --- Nile Safari Lodge, Southern bank of the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Telephone Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933. Email info@nilesafarilodge.com. Reservations: https://www.nilesafarilodge.com/contact