| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A large raptor measuring 70–90 cm in length with a wingspan of 180–220 cm. Adults have white head, neck, underparts, and tail, with grey upperparts and wings, and yellow beak and legs. Juveniles are browner with mottled plumage.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident across South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Populations are generally sedentary.
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| Migrate to: | Non-migratory, but some local dispersal may occur in response to water levels and food availability.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds mainly from July to December in India and April to August in Southeast Asia. Nests are large stick platforms in tall trees near water, often reused for multiple years. Clutch size is usually 1–3 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Breeds near large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal areas with tall nesting trees.
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| Habitat: | Prefers coastal areas, riverine forests, large freshwater lakes, and estuaries. Often seen soaring over water or perched on prominent perches.
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| Diet: | Primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, but also takes waterbirds, reptiles, and carrion. Hunts by soaring and swooping over water, often snatching prey near the surface.
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