White tailed eagle (sea eagle)
Also known as the sea-eagle, the white-tailed eagle is the largest bird of prey in the UK and the fourth largest eagle in the world. Its wingspan can be almost 2.5metres in length, standing at a height of almost a metre.
Hunted to extinction in the 1800s, the sea-eagle was successfully reintroduced to the west coast of Scotland in the 1970s and 1990s and to the east coast in 2007. Breeding pairs are now found on the Isle of Skye, Rum, Mull and several sites on the west coast.
Other than by its size, the white-tailed eagle identifiable by a pale head, white, wedge-shaped tail and broad rectangular wings. Sea eagles are scavengers but will also hunt for fish, rabbits and seabirds.
Common buzzard
Buteo buteo
The buzzard is the most common bird of prey in UK. Its large size (wingspan of over a metre) distinguishes it from other hawks, however it is considerably smaller than an eagle, with which it is often confused. The buzzard is a slow flier and unlikely ...
Golden eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
A huge bird of prey, with only the white-tailed eagle larger in the UK. With its long broad wings and longish tail, it has a different outline to the smaller buzzard. It likes to soar and glide on air currents, holding its wings in a shallow 'V'. Eagle...
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