Lesser Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis plumbea) 19 February 2016. Corbett NP, Garhwal County, Uttarakhand, IN



The wing-tips almost reach the all dark tail helping to distinguish this species from the larger Gray-headed Fish-Eagle. The lack of contrast between its gray head and brownish mantle also supports the identification as a Lesser Fish-Eagle. The light eye and plain upperparts indicate this is an adult. Classified as "near threatened" this Fish-Eagle has an uncertain world population currently estimated at 10,000-50,000 adults. However the species is uncommon throughout its range and appears to be declining. Habitat loss and pesticides are possible causes of its decline. Two subspecies are recognized. Birds in India are I. h. plumbea. The smaller nominate race replaces it in extreme Southeast Asia. Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.

References:

BirdLife International. 2012. Icthyophaga humilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T22695156A37841635. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22695156A37841635.en. Downloaded on 16 August 2016.

Clark, W.S., Kirwan, G.M. & Christie, D.A. (2016). Lesser Fish-eagle (Icthyophaga humilis). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/52989 on 16 August 2016).

Lethaby, N. (2005) The occurrence of Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis on the Cauvery River, Karnataka, India and some notes on the identification of this species. BirdingASIA 4: 33–38.

Rasmussen, P.C. & Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vols. 1 and 2. Second Edition. Smithsonian Institution. Michigan State University & Lynx Edicions, Washington. D.C., Michigan & Barcelona.
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