White-tailed eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla Sea eagle © Northshots



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Also known as the sea-eagle, the white-tailed eagle is the largest bird of prey in the UK and the fourth largest eagle in the world. Its wingspan can be almost 2.5metres in length, standing at a height of almost a metre. Hunted to extinction in the 1800s, the sea-eagle has been successfully reintroduced in Scotland and breeding pairs are now found on the Isle of Skye, Rum, Mull and several sites on the West Coast. Other than by its size, the white-tailed eagle identifiable by a pale head, white, wedge-shaped tail and broad rectangular wings. Sea eagles are scavengers but will also hunt for fish, rabbits and seabirds.

When to see: all year round

Where to see: islands of Skye, Rum and Mull, and several coastal/mountain sites on the West Coast.


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