Key information
The white-tailed eagle is the largest UK bird of prey. It has brown body plumage with a conspicuously pale head and neck which can be almost white in older birds, and the tail feathers of adults are white. In flight it has massive long, broad wings with 'fingered' ends. Its head protrudes and it has a short, wedge-shaped tail.
This Schedule 1 species went extinct in the UK during the early 20th century, due to illegal killing, and the present population is descended from reintroduced birds.
What they eat:
White-tailed eagles are versatile and opportunistic hunters and carrion feeders, sometimes pirating food from other birds and even otters. They eat largely fish, but also take various birds, rabbits and hares.
Some pairs kill many fulmars, which are thought to be the source of DDT and PCBs (chemicals) recorded in eagle eggs. Carrion is an important part of their diet, especially during the winter months. Most lambs are taken as carrion.
When fishing, they fly low over water, stop to hover for a moment and drop to snatch fish from the surface.
During the breeding season while they are rearing young, they require 500-600g of food per day. This drops to 200-300g per day during the winter months when the birds are less active.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 70-90cm
- Wingspan:
- 200-240cm
- Weight:
- 3.5-5kg (male); 4-7kg (female)
Population:
- UK breeding:
- Around 150 pairs (2020 estimate))
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
White-tailed eagle (adult)
White-tailed eagle (juvenile)
