The unmistakable sound of the African fish eagle is part and parcel of the call to visit the shores of the continent. No wonder it features as the national bird and in the coat of arms of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and South Sudan and is at home close to water throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
With spiricules at the end of its feet, the bird can grab hold of fish and other prey (other birds, smaller mammals, and even baby crocodiles) up to ten times its body weight. If it can’t lift the prey into the air, it will continue to fly at very low until it can get to firmer ground.