White-Tailed Eagle (Sea Eagle)

Haliaeetus albicilla

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 was successfully reintroduced to the west coast of Scotland in the 1970s and 1990s and to the east coast in 2007. 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.

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Discover more about the White Tailed Eagle (sea eagle)

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

You can see White tailed Eagles all ear around. Although are more active during the breeding season.

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Where to see

The islands of Skye, Rum and Mull, and several coastal/mountain sites on the West Coast. The recent reintroduction programme in Fife and Angus has resulted in more sightings on the east coast too.

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Related species

Common Buzzard Golden Eagle

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Did you know?

They often steal food, most often fish, from other birds such as cormorants, gulls and mammals such as otters. 

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

You can see White tailed Eagles all ear around. Although are more active during the breeding season.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The islands of Skye, Rum and Mull, and several coastal/mountain sites on the West Coast. The recent reintroduction programme in Fife and Angus has resulted in more sightings on the east coast too.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Common Buzzard Golden Eagle

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They often steal food, most often fish, from other birds such as cormorants, gulls and mammals such as otters. 

Binoculars Icon Blue
When to see

You can see White tailed Eagles all ear around. Although are more active during the breeding season.

Map Icon Blue
Where to see

The islands of Skye, Rum and Mull, and several coastal/mountain sites on the West Coast. The recent reintroduction programme in Fife and Angus has resulted in more sightings on the east coast too.

Dolphin Icon Blue
Related species

Common Buzzard Golden Eagle

Book Icon Blue
Did you know?

They often steal food, most often fish, from other birds such as cormorants, gulls and mammals such as otters. 

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