White-tailed eagle Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids White-tailed eagle

At Raftsund, Lofoten/Norway.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Accipitriformes
Family:	Accipitridae
Genus:	Haliaeetus
Species:	H. albicilla
Binomial name
*Haliaeetus albicilla* (Linnaeus, 1758)

Range of H. albicilla. Nesting range Wintering range Year-round range
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The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a very large bird of prey. People also call it the sea eagle or white-tailed sea-eagle. It belongs to the family Accipitridae. This family includes other birds of prey like hawks and kites.

The white-tailed eagle is a close relative of the bald eagle. However, it lives in Eurasia, which is Europe and Asia.

What Does the White-Tailed Eagle Look Like?

Adult white-tailed eagle from Svolvær, Norway. Notice its long, broad wings, heavy beak, and short tail.

The white-tailed eagle is one of the biggest eagles in the world. It can be about 66 to 94 centimeters (26 to 37 inches) long. Its wingspan, which is how wide its wings are when spread out, can be from 1.78 to 2.45 meters (about 6 to 8 feet). On average, its wingspan is about 7 feet. This makes it the largest eagle in terms of wingspan.

Images for kids

Wintering adult white-tailed eagle in Hokkaido, Japan.
The white-tailed eagle is the largest eagle found in Europe and most of its Asian range.
Two adult white-tailed eagles in snow in Färnebofjärden National Park, Sweden.
This is an example of a darker, more richly colored adult than average.
Closeup of white-tailed eagle calling.
A young eagle above its nest at Littleisland lighthouse.
White-tailed eagles are often found near wooded areas, especially close to water.
About to grasp a fish near the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
In winter, white-tailed eagles often eat mostly dead animals (carrion).
White-tailed eagle with a caught fish.
An adult white-tailed eagle with a bird it caught. It is keeping crows away from its food.
Swimming male common eiders are often hunted by white-tailed eagles.
Juvenile white-tailed eagle chasing two northern lapwings.
An 1896 drawing of a white-tailed eagle with a rabbit it caught.
White-tailed eagle adult on the island of Hiiumaa in Estonia.
A young eagle (right) being chased by two common buzzards over the Isle of Canna.
White-tailed eagles often steal food from other birds, especially fish from ospreys.
A nest of a white-tailed eagle in Norway. It is empty and might be a backup nest.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden.
A large baby eagle (nestling) in Brandenburg, Germany.
Young white-tailed eagles quickly learn to hunt fish.
An adult and a juvenile white-tailed eagle fighting.
White-tailed eagle skeleton.
A dark-colored young eagle eating a large fish, probably a carp.
Adult in flight in Isle of Skye, Scotland. This bird is from a group that was brought back to the area.

White-tailed eagle facts for kids

What Does the White-Tailed Eagle Look Like?

Images for kids

See also