Home › Aves › Accipitridae › White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
SPECIES PROFILE
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Haliaeetus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Northern & Eastern Europe, coasts & wetlands
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Coasts, lakes, large rivers
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Accipitriformes
FAMILY
Accipitridae
GENUS
Haliaeetus
📋 Description
SIZE
70-90 cm body length, wingspan 190-240 cm, 4-7 kg
COLORATION
Dark brown body, white tail, yellow beak
ADAPTATIONS
Very large size, powerful beak and talons, opportunistic feeder
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Coasts, lakes, large rivers
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Northern & Eastern Europe, coasts & wetlands
REPRODUCTION
1-3 eggs, 1 brood per year
DIET DETAILS
Fish, birds, carrion
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Historical persecution, pollution, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The White-tailed Eagle is one of Europe’s largest raptors with an impressive wingspan up to 2.5 m. It was nearly extinct in many areas but has recovered strongly thanks to protection. It builds huge nests and often scavenges carrion.
2
It is a top predator in wetland ecosystems and a symbol of conservation success in Scotland and Norway.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish Highlands
Danube Delta Romania
Mull Island Scotland
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for massive eagles soaring over coasts and wetlands.
