Whoosh! Flap, flap, flap… Sorry to keep you waiting! I spotted you while I was gliding along the thermal air currents up there. The wind was a bit strong, but with my broad wings and deeply slotted feathers, that’s never an issue. King of manoeuvrability, that’s me! Anyway, I remember seeing you last month observing my cousins, the Grey-headed Fish Eagles. So, I figured you might want to chat with me too.

We’re quite similar, you know—massive wingspan, extraordinary long-range vision, powerful talons. But of course, I have a distinct look. My head, belly, and breast are snowy white, which creates a striking contrast with my dark grey wings and back. This white body isn’t just for show you know—it’s a fantastic advantage when hunting. Prey never sees me coming! Even if they glance upward, they can’t tell me apart from the clouds. Clever, isn’t it?

Despite the name “Sea” eagle, we’re perfectly content anywhere there’s plenty of water. You’ll find us thriving along coasts, estuaries, rivers, lakes, and mangroves—essentially anywhere with fish! Our bodies are perfectly geared to hunt fish. We can swoop down dramatically to grab them, and since our legs are unfeathered, we don’t get waterlogged! That said, fish isn’t our only meal. We enjoy a varied diet of reptiles, small mammals, and other birds, too. But fish? Fish is our favorite. But I do have to admit, we sometimes swipe food from other birds, and we also eat carrion. Not the proudest thing to admit to, but you have to admit, it’s a real time-saver when you’re famished and too exhausted to hunt! You understand, right?

Although well known for its leopard sightings, Wilpattu National Park is home to a large number of birds too. Dilum captured this shot of a soaring White-bellied Sea Eagle whilst on safari in the Park. Guests at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu often have sightings near the camp premises, as there are several water sources nearby.