White-tailed Eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla
Also known as: Sea Eagle, Erne
The White-tailed Eagle is a very large bird of prey widely distributed across temperate Eurasia. Also known as the sea eagle, it has a broad wingspan and predominantly brown plumage with a distinctive white tail in adults. These apex predators are found near large bodies of open water, including coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, where they hunt fish and waterbirds.
White-tailed Eagle Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the White-tailed Eagle
White-tailed Eagles form long-term pair bonds and often return to the same breeding territory year after year. Some sites remain productive for so long that successive generations reuse the same area, especially where food and nesting trees stay reliable.
The White-tailed Eagle can be found in Eurasia and is most often associated with Coastal shores, large lakes, and rivers.
The White-tailed Eagle feeds on Fish, birds, carrion and is considered a carnivore.
The White-tailed Eagle is currently listed as Least Concern, with a increasing population trend. Main threats include Habitat loss, Wind turbines, Lead poisoning.
The White-tailed Eagle is usually pairs.
The White-tailed Eagle is typically diurnal.
The White-tailed Eagle is resident or partial migrant.
The main threats facing the White-tailed Eagle include Habitat loss, Wind turbines, and Lead poisoning.
The White-tailed Eagle population trend is currently increasing.
Well-known places to look for the White-tailed Eagle include Isle of Mull (Scotland) and Norwegian coast.
Natural predators of the White-tailed Eagle include None.
A major conservation success story following successful reintroduction programmes in the UK.
The White-tailed Eagle is part of the Accipitridae family and an Accipitriformes order.
The White-tailed Eagle weighs about 5.5 kg, stands around 90 cm tall, reaches about 90 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 240 cm.
The White-tailed Eagle can reach speeds of around 70 km/h.
