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Dieren en planten

Birds of prey   White-tailed eagle   Buzzard   Harriers   Falcons   Raptors and owls   

White-tailed eagle

size:

77-92 centimeters
wingspan: 200-245 centimeters

color (adults):

mainly brown, pale head and neck, blackish wing tips, white tail, yellow beak and legs

food:

fish (carp), birds (geese, coots and ducks), carrion, rabbits, hares

threats:

man via poachers, poisoning and egg thieves

Dutch nesting bird:

one pair since 2006; winter guest

habitat:

nest in tree, coastal cliff or marshy areas

reproduction:

maturity: 4-5 years
number of eggs per nest: 2

life span:

unknown (maximum known age: + 28 years)

  • Dut: (Europese) zeearend
  • Eng: White-tailed eagle
  • Fre: Pygargue à queue blanche
  • Ger: Seeadler
  • Dan: Havørn
  • Nor: Havørn
  • Fries: Goes-earn
  • Lat: Haliaeetus albicilla
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White-tailed eagle, Photo Staatsbosbeheer/Vincent Wigbels, under

White-tailed eagle

White-tailed eagles are very loyal birds and mate for life. They are known for re-using nests, sometimes for generations. A nest in Iceland was in use for more than 150 years! With its broad long wings spreading more than 2 meters in length, the white-tailed eagle is an exceptionally spectacular bird to observe. There are stories about white-tailed eagles that hunt roe deer in groups, although usually unsuccessfully. This fascinating bird had practically disappeared in Europe. Intensive re-introduction programs to protect it have resulted in a steady recovery.

  • In the Netherlands

    In Dutch, white-tailed eagles are called 'sea eagles'. However marsh eagles would make a better name for this airborne giant, since they are seen more often inland than by the sea. Their favorite hunting grounds are large freshwater regions. White-tailed eagles spend the winter every year now in the Oostvaardersplassen, the Biesbosch, Lauwersmeer, the South-Holland islands/ Zeeuws delta and sometimes around the wadden region. Since 2006, a pair of eagles has been nesting in the Oostvaardersplassen and has been successful in raising chicks. A pair in Lauwersmeer succeeded in raising one chick in 2011.

  • Protection
    • Monitoring: Network Ecological Monitoring
    • Policy: Target Species List
    • National legislation: Flora and Fauna Regulation
    • European Agreement: Bird Directive, CITES ordinance
    • International: Bern Convention, Bonn Convention
    • International Red List: 2004 IUCN Red List of threatened Species