White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the largest birds of prey in the UK and are found in coastal areas, estuaries, and lochs near the sea. They have a wide distribution in northern Europe and northern Asia, and are partially migratory, with northern and eastern populations being largely migratory and central European populations being sedentary.

Preferred Habitat of White-Tailed Eagles

White-tailed eagles prefer habitat close to large bodies of water, either sea coast or large inland lakes or rivers, and require forests for nesting. Their diet consists mainly of fish and water birds, but also small mammals, and they are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of whatever food is most readily available.

Nesting and Roosting Preferences

Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith

White-tailed eagles are diurnal and spend much of their day perched on trees or crags, and may often not move for hours. Pairs regularly roost together, often near their nest, either on a crag or tree or crevices, overhung ledges, or small isolated trees on a crag.

Feeding Habits and Behavior

White-tailed eagles are powerful predators and hunt mostly from perches, in a “sit-and-wait” style, usually from a prominent tree perch. Fish is usually grabbed in a shallow dive after a short distance flight from a perch, usually with the eagles only getting their feet wet. At times they will also fish by wading into shallows, often from shores or gravel islands.

Migratory Patterns

While a relatively gregarious raptor, White-tailed eagles are territorial and any intrusion often provokes vigorous fighting, in which either combatant can even die. During winter, migrating White-tailed eagles tend to become gregarious, especially younger juvenile birds. Many such groups can contain up to 10 birds and, in areas near large breeding populations – at least 30-40 individuals.

Conservation Status and Threats

In terms of conservation, the white-tailed eagle underwent a massive population decline during the last century, mostly due to the use of the pesticide DDT, as well as direct persecution by humans. However, since the use of DDT has been stopped, and persecution reduced significantly in most European countries, the White-tailed Eagle has made an amazing comeback, with some populations increasing by several hundred percent over the past decades.

Conclusion

Despite facing threats from human activities in the past, the White-tailed Eagle has made an amazing comeback and is now classified as “Least Concern” by BirdLife International. However, it’s important to note that there are still many threats to this magnificent eagle, and the populations could be considerably larger if we find a way to stop these.

References:
– White-tailed eagles | Forestry England. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/white-tailed-eagles
– White-tailed Eagle (Key Facts To Know) – European Raptors. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://europeanraptors.org/white-tailed-eagle/
– White-Tailed Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://animalia.bio/white-tailed-eagle
– White-tailed eagle – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle
– White-tailed Eagle – Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.roydennis.org/animals/raptors/sea-eagle/.