White-tailed sea eagle

General information

This impressive bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 2.4m, is the largest native bird to the UK. As an adult, they will have a bright yellow beak, piercing yellow eyes and bright white feathers on their head, neck and tail. Juveniles will have a mixture of brown and white feathers, slowly becoming darker until they grow into their adult colouration. 

After reaching sexual maturity at 5 years old, a pair will form a monogamous bond for life and breed in the same territory each year. Mature eagles are extremely territorial and disputes can be fatal. The female lays up to three eggs in March to April and incubates them until they hatch after 38 days. The chicks begin to feed themselves between five and six weeks of age, and fledge when they are about 10-11 weeks old. 

After becoming extinct in the UK in the 20th century, the species has experienced a remarkable conservation comeback in the UK and currently holds Amber status under the Birds of Conservation Concern classification, indicating they remain a species requiring ongoing conservation attention. Following successful reintroduction programmes, White-tailed Sea Eagles can now be spotted in Scotland's Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, and Loch Sunart, as well as the recently established population on the Isle of Wight.