Lens Cleaning Cloth | Sea Eagle

Artist-illustrated : white-bellied sea eagle by autistic artist

The white-bellied sea eagle is reputed to be Singapore’s largest common raptor or bird of prey, with a body length of 60 to 70 cm and a wing span of about 2 metres. It is usually seen soaring above reservoirs and forested areas, or near sea coasts hunting for food. Forming sedentary mating pairs (usually permanent), the eagles prefer to construct their nests on emergent trees over 30 m tall.

The eagles live on a primary diet of fish, sea snakes and crustaceans such as crabs.

Cultural significance in Singapore

The second series of Singapore’s currency notes, issued from 1976 to 1984, featured birds. The white-bellied sea eagle was depicted on the front of the highest denomination note – the $10,000 note. In a series of postage stamps released on 10 March 1963 showcasing Malayan birds and orchids, the eagle was featured on the $5 stamp, which was the highest denomination in the series. Since then, the eagle has made its appearance in many other series of Singapore stamps in various denominations. For instance, Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) released a set of stamps featuring native birds of prey on 21 September 2016, with the eagle featured on the 70-cent stamp.

In2002, the eagle was one of the shortlisted candidates in an unofficial poll conducted to select the national bird of Singapore. It garnered 236 votes, while the winner was the crimson sunbird with 400 votes.