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White-tailed Eagle
last update: Feb 24, 2009 11:07 PM
Latin name: Haliaeetus albicilla
Longevity: 21 years in the wild, 42 years in captivity
Population: 5,000-6,000 pairs estimated in Europe, which consists of 55-74% of the total population
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Native to Eurasia and Greenland, is sometimes seen on the Aleutian Island Attu. It prefers rocky coasts and rivers along the forest edge.
Wingspan: 200-250 cm
Length: 70-90 cm long
Weight: weighing 4–6.9 kg
Mating/Breeding: This large eagle breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia. White-tailed Eagles are sexually mature at four or five years of age. They pair for life, though if one dies replacement can occur quickly. A bond is formed when a permanent home range is chosen. They have a characteristic aerial courtship display which culminates in the pair locking claws mid-air and whirling earthwards in series of spectacular cartwheels. White-tailed Eagles are much more vocal than Golden Eagles, particularly during the breeding season and especially the male when near the eyrie. The nest is a huge edifice of sticks in a tree or on a coastal cliff. Being faithful to their territories, once they breed, nests are often reused, sometimes for decades by successive generations of birds; one nest in Iceland has been in use for over 150 years.
Eggs: 1-3 eggs
Hibernation: migrate south in the winter
Hunting Habits: White-tailed eagles are versatile and opportunistic hunters and carrion feeders, sometimes pirating food from other birds and even otters. The birds rely on surprise rather than agility to catch prey other than fish. When fishing, they fly low over water, stop to hover for a moment and drop to snatch fish from the surface. Sometimes the bird plunges in to catch prey deeper down. They hold small prey in one foot and often eat it in flight, but usually carry larger prey in both feet to a convenient perch to eat it. The eagles are known to follow fishing boats and eat waste thrown overboard.
Feed on: The Eagle's diet is varied, including fish, birds, carrion and, occasionally, small mammals.
Predators: White-tailed eagles continue to be deliberately killed and their nests targeted by egg-collectors, which for such a small population can be critical. The birds fall victim of both deliberate persecution of the eagles themselves and as incidental victims of poisons illegally set for foxes and crows. Young birds, wandering before establishing their own territories, are particularly hard hit.
Colour/Looks: It has broad "barn door" wings, a large head and thick "meat-cleaver" beak. The adult is mainly brown except for the paler head and neck, blackish flight feathers, distinctive white tail, and yellow bill and legs. In juvenile birds the tail and bill are darker, with the tail becoming white with a dark terminal band in sub-adults.
Interesting Trivia:
- Nests are often reused, sometimes for decades by successive generations of birds; one nest in Iceland has been in use for over 150 years.
