The African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), which resembles the American bald eagle in appearance, is the national bird of Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Sudan and is noted for its distinctive plumage and evocative cry that some describe as the "Sound of Africa”. It is easily recognised by its pure white head, the striking contrast between the white upper-body and tail, the chestnut belly and the black wings. The sexes look alike but the female is the larger of the two. It is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water occur that have an abundant food supply. Although, as its name suggests, it feeds extensively on fish, in some areas it preys on flamingoes and other water birds. It is also known to eat carrion and is classified as a kleptoparasite (it steals prey from other birds). African Fish Eagle are known to be monogamous, breeding once a year. Typical eagles, their nest is used year after year, growing with the addition of new material each year.
