White-tailed sea eagles are the fourth largest eagles in the world.

Statistics
Sea eagles have a body length of 69-91cm and a wingspan of 200-245cm. The males weigh 4.1kg and females weigh 5.5kg.

Physical description
Sea eagles are very large, broad-winged eagles with a wedge-shaped tail. Their plumage is mainly brown, but the adult has a pale head and a white tail. The head and the beak is larger than the golden eagles. The eyes, beak and talons are bright yellow.

Distribution
Sea eagles are found across Europe and also inhabit parts of Asia. They were reintroduced to the Isle of Rum (Scotland) in 1975 and they started breeding again in Scotland in 1985.

Habitat
Their preferred habitat is rocky coasts, but they may also inhabit areas such as remote lakes and marshes, further inland.

Behaviour
Sea eagles are scavengers and feed on carrion, although they will also hunt seabirds, fish that swim near the surface of the water, and medium-sized mammals.

They construct large nests of branches and twigs in trees or on cliffs. The female lays an average of two eggs, which she incubates for about six weeks. The young fledge the nest after 10 weeks.

Conservation status
Sea eagles are thought to be vulnerable to the point of extinction in the UK. Globally, they are listed as Lower Risk by the 2000 IUCN Red List. They have been threatened by loss of habitat, persecution and pollution. The Scottish reintroduction programmes are slowly building up a population which now approaches 20 pairs.

Voice
White-tailed sea eagles emit various high pitched calls, as well as a low barking note.