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Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernWhite-bellied Sea Eagle at a glance
The White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is a bird in the family Accipitridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Sulawesi. Diet: predator (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals) and scavenger; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Haliaeetus leucogaster |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Elang-laut perut-putih |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Accipitriformes |
| GBIF records | 4,218 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 178 |
| Wingspan | About 1.8–2 m · BirdLife Australia — White-bellied Sea-Eagle |
| Body weight | Males 2.5–3.7 kg; females are larger at 2.8–4.2 kg · BirdLife Australia — White-bellied Sea-Eagle |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals) and scavenger · BirdLife DataZone |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle) – Animal Diversity Web |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
White-bellied Sea Eagle refers to Haliaeetus leucogaster, in the genus Haliaeetus, family Accipitridae, and order Accipitriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
The white-bellied sea eagle has a white head, rump and underside with dark-grey upperwings; it uses coasts and major rivers.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
How many Indonesian records name the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,218 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare White-bellied Sea Eagle with Brahminy Kite, Brown Honeyeater, Asian Emerald Dove. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the White-bellied Sea Eagle
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | Haliaeetus leucogaster |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-bellied Sea Eagle
What is the scientific name of the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
The scientific name of the White-bellied Sea Eagle is Haliaeetus leucogaster, in the family Accipitridae and the order Accipitriformes. In Indonesian it is called Elang-laut perut-putih.
What kind of animal is the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a bird in the family Accipitridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals) and scavenger.
Where does the White-bellied Sea Eagle live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-bellied Sea Eagle summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Papua, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-bellied Sea Eagle eat?
The White-bellied Sea Eagle is a predator (fish, reptiles, birds, mammals) and scavenger. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: BirdLife DataZone.
How does the White-bellied Sea Eagle reproduce?
The White-bellied Sea Eagle reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the White-bellied Sea Eagle nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-bellied Sea Eagle as diurnal (active by day). Source: Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle) – Animal Diversity Web.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
Key features of the White-bellied Sea Eagle, from this guide’s sources: Wingspan: About 1.8–2 m; Body weight: Males 2.5–3.7 kg; females are larger at 2.8–4.2 kg.
How big is the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
Wingspan: About 1.8–2 m. Source: BirdLife Australia — White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Body weight: Males 2.5–3.7 kg; females are larger at 2.8–4.2 kg. Source: BirdLife Australia — White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
What is the scientific classification of the White-bellied Sea Eagle?
Scientific classification of the White-bellied Sea Eagle: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Accipitriformes, family Accipitridae, genus Haliaeetus, species Haliaeetus leucogaster.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the White-bellied Sea Eagle endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the White-bellied Sea Eagle protected in Indonesia?
Is the White-bellied Sea Eagle protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 178).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the White-bellied Sea Eagle be kept as a pet?
No. Because the White-bellied Sea Eagle is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- BirdLife Australia — White-bellied Sea-Eagle ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- BirdLife DataZone ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle) – Animal Diversity Web ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/haliaeetus-leucogaster/