White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles or ernes, are the largest birds of prey in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 2.45 meters and a body mass that can range from 3.1 to 6.9 kg in males and 4 to 8 kg in females. This makes them slightly larger on average than their American counterparts, the bald eagles, which weigh between 2.5 and 7 kg.
The Exact Weight of White-Tailed Eagles
The weight of white-tailed eagles can vary significantly depending on their age, sex, and geographic location. Females are generally larger and heavier than males, with some females weighing up to 8 kg. The average weight for European white-tailed eagles is around 4.02 kg for males and 5.11 kg for females, while white-tailed eagles from Northeast China weigh slightly less, with males weighing between 2.8 and 3.78 kg and females weighing between 3.75 and 4.6 kg.
Juvenile White-Tailed Eagles: Surprising Weight Dynamics
Image source: white tailed eagle by Andreas Weith
Interestingly, juvenile white-tailed eagles often weigh as much as adults, despite having slightly larger average wing and tail lengths. This is unusual for accipitrids, a family of birds that includes eagles, hawks, and kites.
Feeding Habits and Prey of White-Tailed Eagles
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of prey, including fish, birds, and small mammals. They are known for their powerful talons and sharp beaks, which they use to catch and kill their prey.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Despite their size and strength, white-tailed eagles have few natural predators. However, they can be vulnerable to human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with vehicles or power lines.
In recent years, conservation efforts have helped to increase the population of white-tailed eagles in Europe, with over 12,000 individuals estimated to be living in the region today. However, the species is still classified as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021) in the UK, indicating that it remains a species of conservation concern.
Comparison with Bald Eagles
As mentioned earlier, white-tailed eagles are slightly larger on average than their American counterparts, the bald eagles. While bald eagles weigh between 2.5 and 7 kg, white-tailed eagles can weigh up to 8 kg, with females being generally larger and heavier than males.
Geographical Variations in White-Tailed Eagle Weight
The weight of white-tailed eagles can also vary depending on their geographic location. White-tailed eagles from Northeast China, for example, tend to weigh slightly less than their European counterparts, with males weighing between 2.8 and 3.78 kg and females weighing between 3.75 and 4.6 kg.
Unique Characteristics of White-Tailed Eagles
One of the unique characteristics of white-tailed eagles is their powerful talons and sharp beaks, which they use to catch and kill their prey. They are also known for their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 2.45 meters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the white-tailed eagle is a fascinating bird of prey, with a weight range that can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, sex, and geographic location. While they are slightly larger on average than their American counterparts, the bald eagles, they face a range of threats, including habitat loss and collisions with human-made structures. Conservation efforts have helped to increase their population in Europe, but the species remains a species of conservation concern.
Reference:
– https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/white-tailed-eagle
– https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/birds/birds-prey/white-tailed-eagle
– https://carnivora.net/american-bald-eagle-v-white-tailed-sea-eagle-t6866.html
– https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/white-tailed-eagle
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle
