White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

Very rareBird

Safety note: Large powerful raptor; keep distance near nest

The White-tailed Eagle is the eagle of European mythology and has appeared very rarely in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Larger than the Bald Eagle, it was the symbol of power for ancient Roman legions. The short, wedge-shaped white tail of adults distinguishes it from the Bald Eagle. Reintroduced to Ireland and England after centuries of persecution, it is making a comeback.

Habitat

Coastal and inland waterways of Eurasia; very rare vagrant to Alaska

Diet

Fish, waterfowl, and carrion

How common

Very rare

Not certain it is a White-tailed Eagle? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.