Monday, May 9, 2011

(delhibirdpix) Her Majesty - Lesser Fish Eagle

Common Name : Lesser Fish Eagle

Scientific name: Ichthyophaga humilis

Status in the Region: Occasional, but in regular intervals along the Ramganga & Kosy river 

Place: Corbett National Park, Uttaranchal, India  

Site Habitat: Forests on the edges of Ramganga & Kosy River….

Date:  10th Mar 2011

Equipment: Canon 40 D with Canon 100-400 mm IS lens

Notes:

Lesser Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis)

The moaning call of this majestic fish eagle reverberates the shores of Ramganga river in Corbett National Park. There are only 2 species in the Genus "Ichthyophaga" – The Grey-headed & Lesser Fish Eagle, both found in India and confused with each other due to similar looks. Being Fish eagles, both these species have unfeathered tarsi and are found along large rivers & reservoirs specialized to catch and feed on "fish only" diet.

This species is resident along the rivers of Himalayan foothills from North to east (also uptill South-east Asia) with a small population along the Cauvery River in South India. However, Loss of forest habitat along rivers, siltation, over-fishing, pollution and increasing human disturbance of waterways are causing widespread declines, hence it is classified as Near Threatened.

The species name "humilis" stands for "low or small", probably in comparision to its larger cousin (Grey-headed Fish Eagle), however by no means it is diminutive…..for this 5-6 feet wingspan bird has ability to pick up large "Mahasheer" fish which is taken on wings and has a supremely graceful flight. I am always captivated by her hypnotizing gaze :-)

For the groups which don't allow attachments......here is the link to the photograph/s...

References: click here ....


Regards,
Adesh Shivkar
Mumbai, India
http://natureindia.ning.com/


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