White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the UK’s largest bird of prey. These majestic birds are known for their striking appearance, with pale necks, heads, and brown body plumage, as well as their white and wedge-shaped tails. They are found along rocky coastlines, estuaries, and lochs near the sea, and they feed on a variety of prey, including fish, rabbits, hares, and other birds.

Monogamous Partnerships

One of the most fascinating aspects of white-tailed eagles is their mating behavior. These birds form life-long monogamous partnerships once they become sexually mature, which usually happens when they are around five years of age. This means that white-tailed eagles mate for life and remain faithful to their partners throughout their lives.

The bond between white-tailed eagles is remarkably strong, and they are known to be highly territorial and protective of their chosen nesting sites. Even when disputes arise with sub-adult eagles arriving in an existing territory, the resident eagles may tolerate their presence, especially if it does not interfere with their breeding.

Breeding Behavior

Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith

White-tailed eagles breed in the same territory each year, and the female lays two or three eggs in March or April. The female is responsible for incubating the eggs, which hatch after 38 days. Once the chicks hatch, the female does most of the direct feeding, though the male will occasionally help.

The chicks begin to feed themselves between five and six weeks of age, and they fledge when they are about 10-11 weeks old. This is a critical time for the young eagles, as they must learn to hunt and survive on their own.

Longevity and Lifespan

White-tailed eagles are long-lived birds, with a lifespan of 20-25 years in the wild. However, they can live up to 40 years in captivity. The oldest recorded wild white-tailed eagle was 32 years old, and a male white-tailed eagle that was ringed as a chick on the Isle of Skye in 1994 was recorded on the Isle of Mull in early 2022 at the advanced age of 28 years old.

Factors Affecting Mating Behavior

There are several factors that can affect the mating behavior of white-tailed eagles. For example, environmental conditions, such as the availability of food and nesting sites, can play a role in the success of a breeding pair. Additionally, human activities, such as habitat destruction and disturbance, can also impact the mating and breeding success of these birds.

Conservation Efforts

Due to their declining populations in the past, white-tailed eagles are the focus of various conservation efforts. These efforts include habitat restoration, reintroduction programs, and the protection of nesting sites. By understanding the mating behavior and life history of these birds, conservationists can develop more effective strategies to ensure the long-term survival of white-tailed eagles in the UK and beyond.

Conclusion

In conclusion, white-tailed eagles do mate for life and form life-long monogamous partnerships once they become sexually mature. These birds are highly territorial and protective of their chosen nesting sites, and they breed in the same territory each year. White-tailed eagles are long-lived birds, with a lifespan of 20-25 years in the wild, and they can live up to 40 years in captivity. Understanding the mating behavior and life history of these birds is crucial for their conservation and protection.

References:
– The Isle of Mull – White-tailed Eagles
– Forestry England – White-tailed eagles
– Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation – White-tailed Eagle
– Discover Wildlife – White-tailed eagle guide
– Wikipedia – White-tailed eagle