White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the largest birds of prey in the UK, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. These magnificent birds are known for their distinctive brown plumage, pale head and neck, and their impressive hunting skills.
Distribution and Habitat of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are found in northern Europe and northern Asia, including regions such as:
- Southern Greenland
- Northern and western Iceland
- Reintroduced populations in England, Ireland, and Scotland
- Coastal Norway
- Northern and southwestern Finland
- Eastern Sweden
- Denmark
- Islands of the Baltic Sea
- Western Austria
- Northeastern Germany
- Northern and eastern Poland
- The Czech Republic
- The east Baltic countries
- Non-montane areas of Ukraine
- Eastern Slovenia
- Central and southern Hungary
- Sporadically in Greece
- The Danube sections of Romania and Bulgaria
- Western and eastern Moldova
These birds prefer habitats near water, such as river valleys, floodplains, and along sea- and lakeshores, or even out to sea. They also spend time near fish farms, taking advantage of the abundant food source.
Feeding Habits of White-Tailed Eagles
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of different species, including:
- Fish
- Birds (ducks, gulls, partridges, coots)
- Mammals (hares, muskrats)
- Carrion
They use various hunting techniques, such as:
- Catching fish from near the surface of the water
- Harassing waterbirds to exhaustion
- Scavenging
- Harassing other raptors to steal their food
- Hanging around humans engaged in fishing activities to snag some tasty tidbits
Reproduction of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles reach sexual maturity at 5-6 years of age. They build a massive stick nest, which they place high in a tree or on a rocky cliff, adding new material each year. The nest can grow more than 2 meters wide and deep.
The female lays between 1 or 3 eggs, which are white and unmarked. The incubation period lasts for 38-40 days, with the female doing the majority of the incubation. The male is responsible for all the hunting during the first three weeks after hatching, and the female takes turns to hunt after that.
The young fledge after 70 days and remain reliant on their parents for a further 5-6 weeks.
Status and Threats of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are classified by the IUCN as ‘Least Concern’. However, the species suffered huge declines in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries and was driven to extinction in the UK, mainly through persecution.
The species has since been reintroduced to the west coast of Scotland and more recently to the east coast, and a reintroduction programme is currently underway in Ireland. The main current threat in the UK is persecution, predominantly through poisoning, which has overshadowed the otherwise successful reintroduction programmes.
Conclusion
The white-tailed eagle is a majestic and impressive bird of prey, known for its large size, distinctive plumage, and impressive hunting skills. Despite facing threats in the past, the species has made a remarkable comeback, thanks to reintroduction efforts and conservation measures. As we continue to protect and appreciate these magnificent birds, we can ensure that they continue to soar high in the skies for generations to come.
