Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Birds · Haliaeetus vocifer

African fish eagle

Its ringing call is the sound of Africa’s rivers and lakes.

IUCN statusLeast Concern
Best timeAll year
Our guides3 destinations

Fish eagles perch over water and swoop to grab fish. It appears on the coats of arms of several countries.

Best places to see it

Okavango Delta

A vast inland delta where floodwaters arrive in the dry season, drawing wildlife from all around.

May to Oct 3 to 5 nights

Chobe National Park

One of the largest elephant populations in Africa, best seen from a boat on the Chobe River.

May to Oct 2 to 3 nights

Lake Malawi

A vast freshwater lake with clear water and colourful fish.

May to Nov 3 to 5 nights

Where to see it

  • Chobe River
  • Lake Malawi
  • Okavango Delta

Our destination guides: Okavango Delta · Chobe National Park · Lake Malawi

Best time

All year.

Tips

  • Listen for its call before you see it.

Did you know?

  • The fish eagle is the national bird of Zambia, Namibia and South Sudan.

Conservation status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to see the african fish eagle in Africa?

Chobe River; Lake Malawi; Okavango Delta.

Is the african fish eagle endangered?

It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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