White-tailed Eagle
NameWhite-tailed Eagle
Common NameWhite-tailed Eagle
Scientific NameHaliaeetus albicilla
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)210
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)5000
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown body plumage with a paler, often streaked, head and neck. The most distinctive feature is their pure white, wedge-shaped tail. They possess a large, powerful, bright yellow bill and yellow legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a deep, barking 'kra-kra-kra' or 'klee-klee-klee' call, often given in flight or near the nest site.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, wetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across Eurasia, from Greenland and Iceland eastwards across northern Europe and Asia to Japan. It inhabits coastal areas, large lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Broad, rectangular wings, White wedge-shaped tail (adults), Large, bright yellow bill, Dark brown body plumage, Pale head and neck (adults)
Description
The White-tailed Eagle is a very large raptor, often seen soaring over water bodies or perched near coasts. It is an opportunistic hunter, primarily feeding on fish, which it snatches from the water with its powerful talons, as depicted in the image.
