White-bellied Sea-Eagle

The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is a large and magnificent bird of prey with a broad distribution covering numerous countries from the Indian subcontinent to Australia.

White-bellied Sea-Eagles form permanent pairs and are highly territorial, building large stick nests in tall trees. While the species is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, localised populations in Australia, particularly here in Victoria, are listed as “Endangered”. This is primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development, human disturbance during their sensitive breeding season, and other threats like poisoning.

On the Mornington Peninsula, we’re blessed with several breeding pairs the inhabit Devilbend Reservoir, and the ones from French Island which forage in Western Port and can be occasionally seen from the eastern shoreline.