African Fish Eagle song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the African Fish Eagle, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The iconic call is a loud, far-carrying, yelping 'weee-ah, hyo-hyo-hyo' or 'kyow-kyow-kyow', often given with the head thrown back. It is one of the most recognizable sounds of the African wilderness.

Calls

Besides the primary territorial call, they also emit softer 'kweee' or 'kew-kew' calls when communicating with their mate or young. Alarm calls are sharper and more urgent.

When they vocalize

Most vocal at dawn and dusk, and frequently throughout the day, especially when soaring, perching, or near the nest.

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