With a wingspan of 2.2 metres, the white-bellied sea eagle is the second-largest bird of prey in Australia (after the wedge-tailed eagle).

These majestic birds can often be seen swooping down to grab large barramundi from billabongs with their long talons.

What it looks like

True to its name, the white-bellied sea eagle has a white underbody, neck and head. Its back and wings are mostly grey, while its flight feathers are black. It has a large hooked grey bill and a dark brown eye.

Where to see it

White-bellied sea eagles can be seen from Kakadu’s coastal regions all the way to the Mary River district. They are often found gliding on thermals or perched high above the ground near waterways.

There are several nesting pairs living on or near Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) Billabong. These birds can also be seen around Jabiru Lake.

Other names

• Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucogaster