A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

PLATE 15 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 18)

Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Australia, New Guinea

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
India, Sri Lanka, SE Asia, New Guinea, Australia

Sanford’s Fish-eagle Haliaeetus sanfordi
Solomon Islands

White-bellied Fish-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
India, Sri Lanka, SE Asia, New Guinea, Australia

ABOUT THE BIRDS A noisy bird as its name suggests, the Whistling Kite is capable of killing small mammals and birds, but often eats carrion and robs other raptors of their prey in flight.
The strikingly attractive Brahminy Kite is frequently found around harbours, scavenging for dead fish, offal and other carrion.

Sanford’s Fish-eagle feeds mostly on fish and carrion, but also seizes fruit-bats and pigeons from forest treetops. Venomous sea-snakes are a regular item in the diet of the distinctive White-bellied Fish-eagle, which is rarely found far from water.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)