White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are large birds of prey known for their striking appearance and powerful flight. They are monogamous and pairs mate for life, typically breeding from five to six years old. The breeding season for white-tailed eagles occurs from January to July in the southern part of their range, and from April to September in the northern part of their range.
Courtship Displays and Nest Building
During the breeding season, white-tailed eagles engage in various aerial displays, including soaring, sky-dancing, and other forms of courtship behavior, often accompanied by loud calling. These displays are typically performed by pair members together and can be quite spectacular, with the birds sometimes locking talons in mid-air.
White-tailed eagles build large nests, often in the main fork of trees, using sticks and branches to construct a structure that can be up to 2 meters deep and 1 meter across. Nests are usually lined with moss, greenery, seaweed, or wool, and are used year after year, with the birds adding new material to the nest each breeding season.
Egg Laying and Incubation
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
The female lays 2-3 eggs, which she incubates for 38-42 days. The male helps to provide food for the female during this time, and both parents care for the young after they hatch. The chicks are able to move around the nest after 10 days and fledge at 70-80 days of age.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
White-tailed eagles are carnivores and scavengers, with a diet that consists mainly of fish and water birds, but also includes small mammals and carrion. They are known to take advantage of carrion, especially during the winter months, and are skilled hunters, capable of catching prey both in the air and on the ground.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Despite their impressive size and strength, white-tailed eagles face a number of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, accidental poisoning, and collision with wind turbines and wind generators. They are also vulnerable to persecution by humans, including gamebird shooting and egg thieves.
In order to protect white-tailed eagles and ensure their survival, conservation efforts are underway in many parts of their range, including reintroduction programs and efforts to protect and restore their habitats. These efforts are critical to ensuring the long-term survival of this magnificent bird species.
Key Facts about White-Tailed Eagle Mating
Here are some key facts about how white-tailed eagles mate:
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Monogamy | White-tailed eagles are monogamous and mate for life. |
| Breeding Age | They typically start breeding from 5-6 years old. |
| Breeding Season | The breeding season occurs from January to July in the southern range and April to September in the northern range. |
| Courtship Displays | Pairs engage in aerial displays like soaring, sky-dancing, and loud calling. |
| Nest Building | They build large nests in the forks of trees using sticks, branches, and other materials. |
| Egg Laying | Females lay 2-3 eggs, which are incubated for 38-42 days. |
| Parental Care | Both parents care for the young, which fledge at 70-80 days old. |
| Diet | White-tailed eagles are carnivores and scavengers, feeding on fish, water birds, small mammals, and carrion. |
| Threats | They face threats like habitat loss, pollution, and human persecution. |
| Conservation | Efforts are underway to protect and conserve white-tailed eagle populations. |
By understanding the unique mating and breeding behaviors of white-tailed eagles, we can better appreciate and protect these magnificent birds of prey.
References:
- White-Tailed Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio, available at https://animalia.bio/white-tailed-eagle
- White-tailed Eagle FAQs – Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, available at https://www.roydennis.org/white-tailed-eagle-project-frequently-asked-questions/
- White-tailed eagle – Wikipedia, available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle
- Courtship – The Isle of Mull, available at https://www.isle-of-mull.net/wildlife/eagles/white-tailed-eagles/courtship/
- White-tailed eagle guide: what they eat, why they went extinct in the UK …, available at https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/facts-about-white-tailed-eagles
