White-Bellied Sea-Eagle. Tanjung Tuan 2023

 The White Bellied Sea-Eagle one of the few lifer I get during my time starting bird watching approximately 20 years ago. I would also say the second raptor nest (if not mistaken) after a changeable hawk eagle nest I seen and observed throughout the entire time as a raptorphilie. I took a short awareness course lately on Halal and also found out that anything with claw/talon are not permitted to be eaten. Interesting!!!

This immature bird taken here would probably somewhere within the 3rd plumage. A White Bellied Sea-Eagle took 5 years to reach adulthood. With some may not breed till further in time. With territory resulting to 70% water body nest can be sighted nearby one another in inland with a smaller territorial size. Pair used the nest and will add on new twig over the year. Currently in P.Malaysia it is not know that the species intentionally change nest site yearly even we aware of pair stayed together through breeding season. Nest have been observed in pylon, emerging tree both bare and under the canopy. 

Another interesting fact in P.Malaysia is that there were still lack of record in regards to dependency period of the juvenile but believe to be short time. Talon locking observed during territorial dispute with other individual. While some felt that is it meant to kill or injured the intruding party but research  observed that the individual whom let go first will be considered surrendered party. This is unique unlike Golden Eagle where individual have been documented killed by talon injury of another eagle none at least I know off in P.Malaysia have the same result.

I guess more work on this species will be required for localised level understanding and implementation of conservation effort.