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

PLATE 16 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 19)

African Fish-eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Africa

Madagascar Fish-eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides
NW Madagascar

Palmnut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
Africa

ABOUT THE BIRDS The African Fish-eagle throws back its head to deliver its loud, yelping cry, one of the most evocative sounds of aquatic habitats in sub-Saharan Africa. Pairs often perform duets. The calls are delivered either from a perch or in flight.

The Madagascar Fish-eagle, the largest raptor in its native island, is a critically endangered species and one of the world’s eight rarest birds of prey.
A largely vegetarian diet makes the Palmnut Vulture an oddity amongst raptors. Its favourite foods are the fruits of oil palm, raffia palm and wild dates.

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