White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are large birds of prey found in Northern Europe and Asia. They are excellent fishers, but they do not dive into the water like ospreys to catch fish. Instead, they employ a unique hunting technique that sets them apart from other eagle species.
The Hunting Technique of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are known for their impressive hunting skills, but their approach to catching fish is quite different from that of ospreys. Rather than plunging into the water, these majestic birds prefer to fly low over the water’s surface and briefly hover before snatching their prey.
As they soar above the water, white-tailed eagles keep a keen eye out for any movement or disturbance that might indicate the presence of fish. When they spot a potential target, they will slow down and briefly hover, extending their powerful talons to snatch the fish from the surface of the water. This technique allows them to capture their prey without fully submerging themselves, which is a crucial adaptation for these large birds.
Opportunistic Feeding Habits
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
In addition to their fishing prowess, white-tailed eagles are also known to be opportunistic feeders. They will not only hunt for live fish but will also scavenge for food, including garbage or the remains of other animals’ kills. This adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of environments and ensures a steady food supply.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
White-tailed eagles are impressive birds, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 meters and a weight of up to 7 kilograms. They have a distinctive greyish-brown plumage with white highlights and a white tail, which gives them their name.
These birds prefer to live near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, as their primary food source is fish. Their large territories can range up to 70 kilometers, and they are known to be apex predators, with no natural predators of their own.
Conservation Status and Reintroduction Efforts
White-tailed eagles are strictly protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. They are also listed on CITES Appendix I and II and CMS Appendix I and II, indicating their conservation status.
In recent years, there have been successful reintroduction programs for white-tailed eagles in Scotland and Ireland, where they had previously been extinct. These efforts have helped to increase the overall population of these majestic birds in Europe, which is currently estimated to be over 12,000.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while white-tailed eagles are excellent fishers, they do not dive into the water like ospreys to catch their prey. Instead, they employ a unique hunting technique, flying low over the water and briefly hovering before snatching fish from the surface. These birds are also opportunistic feeders, scavenging for food when necessary. With their impressive size, distinctive appearance, and protected status, white-tailed eagles continue to be a fascinating and important part of the natural world.
