Rapid increase in artificial-substrate nesting by White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (Gmelin, 1788) (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Tamil Nadu, India

Authors

  • H. Byju Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 608502, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6902-8023
  • N. Raveendran Iragukal Amritha Nature Trust, 61, Ramachandra Thadaga Street, Thirumangalam, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625706, India.
  • H. Maitreyi Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 608502, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10547.18.6.29138-29142

Keywords:

apex predator, Breeding, Coastal wetland, Ecological trap, ramanathapuram, raptor, electric pylon

Abstract

White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is a coastal apex predator whose nesting ecology is associated with the availability of tall trees along water bodies. An increase in anthropogenic pressure along the southeastern coast of India has led to nesting adaptations, including the use of artificial substrates. Here, unusual observations on four nests constructed on artificial structures within a single breeding season (2025–2026) in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, of which three were successful are reported. Only one artificial substrate nest was recorded in the previous decade. This represents a notable increase compared to previous records from the region and suggests a potential behavioural shift. Nesting activity patterns, breeding success, and conservation implications in the context of habitat modification and ecological traps are discussed.

References

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Published

26-06-2026

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 6 (2026)

Section

Short Communications

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Copyright (c) 2026 H. Byju, N. Raveendran, H. Maitreyi

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