Fun Facts About Stunning Namibia’s National Bird
The spectacular African fish eagle, known in Afrikaans as the Vis Arend, is Namibia’s national bird. The fish eagle is a symbol of strength and foresight for the African people.
These incredible birds of prey have amazing eyesight – they can spot prey from enormous distances. This ability mirrors the foresight of Namibia’s leaders.
For these reasons, they are featured on Namibia’s coat of arms, along with two oryx gazella, or gemsbok, and the Welwitschia Mirabilis at the bottom above the banner.
The gemsbok is an antelope that is a symbol of pride, courage, and elegance.
The Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique fascinating desert plant, represents the determination and endurance of Namibia’s people.
Fun Facts About Namibia’s National Bird
The African fish eagle is an iconic bird, and with its sleek white head, brown feathers, and up to 2-metre wing span, it is a sight to behold.
There are so many amazing things to learn about Namibia’s national bird! Check out these facts:
1. The African fish eagle can be found throughout Namibia, wherever there are large bodies of water and lots of food. They also like to hang out at drying river beds, snatching up fish as they get stuck in the mud.
2. To feed themselves and their offspring, they mainly eat fish, although they also feed on other small animals and carrion.
They will also eat other birds, as well as their eggs and nestlings. Terrapins, crocodile hatchlings – it’s all fair game. African fish eagles will also steal a catch from other birds, known as kleptoparasitism.
3. They are most closely related to the Madagascar fish eagle, which is critically endangered due to water pollution and various human activity.
4. African fish eagles can be found throughout Africa south of the Saharan Desert.
5. Its scientific name is Haliaeetus vocifer. Haliaeetus means “sea eagle” or “fish eagle”. Vocifer, which translates to “to speak loudly”, is a reference to its very unique call.
6. If one of these birds catches a fish that is too large to pull out of the water and fly with it to a nearby perch, they will hold it in the water and use their wings to swim with the fish to shore.
7. Their population is currently stable, and they’re listed as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
8. They can survive anywhere up to 24 years in their natural habitat.
9. Breeding pairs tend to stay together throughout their lives, and generally build only one or two nests together. These nests are well-maintained and normally last the birds a lifetime.
Built in large trees, some fish eagle nests have measured as large as 2 metres across and 1.2 metres deep.
10. African fish eagles are aggressively territorial, and will attack other fish eagles who venture into their territory. In fact, the purpose of the feathers on their legs is to give them protection against the damaging beaks of their rivals.
Other National Symbols of Namibia
As well as a national bird, Namibia also has a national animal. As seen above, the Oryx gazella, also known as the gemsbok, is a part of Namibia’s coat of arms.
These animals are extraordinarily adapted to desert living.
They have the ability to survive on only the moisture that is found in the plants and grasses that they eat.
In addition, they have evolved behaviour patterns geared exclusively toward surviving in the harsh and unforgiving Namibian climate.
As well, Namibian gemsbok have specialized blood vessels in their nasal passages that cool the blood as it goes to their brains, preventing them from overheating.
Also depicted in the coat of arms is the Welwitschia Mirabilis, Namibia’s national flower/plant. These spectacular plants are only found in a small area of the Namib desert.
The plant looks like a limp pile of lettuce, but `actually has only 2 leaves. Some of the bigger “lettuce piles” are up to 2 metres across and are believed to have been growing for some 2000 years.
They are obviously quite slow growers and don’t flower until they reach the tender age of 20 years old. They are inedible by most grazers and have an extreme tolerance for heat.
Namibia’s National Bird: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national fish of Nambia?
Namibia does not have a designated national fish, though Namibia’s national bird is called the African fish eagle. Namibia is home to many fish, including the elephant fish and the blackberry rosefish.
The hake is Namibia’s most important fish in terms of value and job generation in the fishing industry.
What bird is only found in Africa?
The ostrich is a bird that lives nowhere else on the planet – only in Africa. The world’s heaviest birds, ostriches can weigh up to 136 kg, or 300 lbs, and measure up to 244 cm, or 8 feet, tall.
What animal can only be found in Namibia?
The Oryx gazella, or gemsbok, is one of Africa’s oryx species. It lives in desert regions in western Africa, including Namibia. This gemsbok is Namibia’s national animal.
What is Namibia’s national fruit?
The Acanthosicyos horridus is an odd melon that is endemic to the Namib desert. It’s called nara and the edible seeds are known as butterpips or butter-nuts.
This fruit is grown on a leafless plant that can get by for years with no water. The seasonal fruit is eaten by the Nama people.
Summing It Up: Namibia’s National Bird
The African fish eagle is a magnificent species that was chosen as Namibia’s national bird for its strength and incredible eyesight.
Its beauty, power, and resilience have inspired generations of people from across the country who appreciate its presence in their local environment.
Look for them when you visit Namibia. I’m sure you’ll be inspired by them, too.
Happy travels!
More About Africa:
➦ The National Animal of Botswana
➦ Iconic Animals of Botswana
➦ What to Do In Namibia When It’s Your First Visit
➦ Namibia’s Best Beaches for a Blissful Summer
➦ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
