Haliaeetus leucoryphus: Pallas's Sea Eagle

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Context

• After 10 years, the Pallas fish eagle, was sighted in the Chilika. 

Haliaeetus leucoryphus: Pallas's Sea Eagle

Taxonomy:

• Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucoryphus
• Common Names: Pallas's Sea Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle

Distribution:

• Pallas's Sea Eagle is primarily found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Russia, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Among the largest eagles, with a wingspan of around 6 to 8 feet.
• Plumage: Adults have a distinctive appearance with a white head and tail, contrasting with a dark brown body.
• Juveniles: Juveniles are more uniformly brown and gradually acquire the adult coloration as they mature.

Habitat:

• Pallas's Sea Eagle inhabits a variety of wetland habitats, including coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are well-adapted to both freshwater and marine environments.

Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, but they are opportunistic hunters and may also prey on birds and small mammals.
• Hunting Style: They are known for their impressive fishing skills, often seen soaring over water bodies or perched near shorelines.

Behavior:

• Pallas's Sea Eagles are known for their powerful and majestic flight. They are often observed soaring at great heights or perched in prominent locations.
• Breeding:
• Nesting: They typically build large nests in tall trees near water bodies.
• Reproduction: Breeding season varies across their range. Clutches usually consist of one to three eggs.

Conservation Status:

• Pallas's Sea Eagle is generally considered to be of Endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, local populations may face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance.

Cultural Significance:

• In some cultures, the Pallas's Sea Eagle is considered a symbol of strength and freedom.

Conservation Measures:

• Protection of wetland habitats and nesting sites is crucial for the conservation of Pallas's Sea Eagle.
• Monitoring and research on population trends and threats contribute to informed conservation strategies.

PRACTICE QUESTION Question: Consider the following statements regarding Haliaeetus leucoryphus, commonly known as Pallas's Sea Eagle: 1.    It is primarily found in the coastal regions of South America. 2.    Pallas's Sea Eagle is renowned for its predominantly black plumage, including the head and tail. 3.    The main diet of Pallas's Sea Eagle consists primarily of fish. Which of the statements above is/are correct? A. Only 1 B. 2 and 3 C. Only 3 D. 1 and 2 Answer: C. Only 3 Explanation: 1.    "It is primarily found in the coastal regions of South America." - This statement is incorrect. Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Pallas's Sea Eagle, is primarily found in parts of Southeast Asia, including Russia, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. 2.    "Pallas's Sea Eagle is renowned for its predominantly black plumage, including the head and tail." - This statement is incorrect. Pallas's Sea Eagle has a distinctive appearance with a white head and tail, contrasting with a dark brown body. 3.    "The main diet of Pallas's Sea Eagle consists primarily of fish." - This statement is correct. Pallas's Sea Eagle is primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, although it is also opportunistic and may prey on birds and small mammals.