White-tailed eagle

The white-tailed eagle is an international conservation success story. These birds became extinct in Britain in the early 1900s but are now living here again after a re-introduction programme. The project brought chicks over from Norway to the isle of Rum, one of Scotland’s wildest places.

Since then, they’ve established other colonies and have even started nesting in the Lowlands on Loch Leven in Fife. We’re working with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and local interest groups to protect forest areas that are part of the eagles’ territory. We also make sure their nesting sites aren’t disturbed.

Where they live

Scottish white-tailed eagles like sheltered lochs or sea lochs rather than exposed coastal sites. They build their nest in trees, unlike golden eagles, which tend to prefer rocky crags.

Once they’ve staked out a territory they tend to stay there for life. That means that although they’re rare, with only about 40 breeding pairs, you’ve got a good chance of seeing them in places where they’re established. 

In Norway, white tailed and golden eagles will share the same territory. In Scotland the two species establish separate ranges.

What they eat

They eat fish and birds as well as rabbits and hares. If they can get a meal without working for it, they will. They’ve been seen stealing food from otters and following fishing boats to eat the scraps.

How to see them in the wild

Where you can see them

You can see white-tailed eagles in sheltered sea lochs, coasts and lochs.

If you’re lucky, you might see these birds around Mull, on Skye, or Àrd-Àirigh in Sunart. You might also see them in the coastal forests of Argyll Forest Park or at Tentsmuir.

When you can see them

White-tailed eagles are here all year round.

What to look out for

Body up to 3 feet 3 inches (100cm). Wingspan up to 8 feet (245cm).