White-tailed eagle

The White-tailed eagle is Northern Europe's largest bird of prey and the fourth largest eagle in the world

The White-tailed eagle is between 87 and 100 cm long. Adult females can have a wingspan of up to 240 cm - males slightly smaller. White-tailed eagle can grow up to be 50 years old, but it is rare. The species builds large nests of twigs and branches, which are lined with heather, kelp, moss and grass. Nests are often reused for several years. Eggs are laid between late March and May. It lays two to three eggs, which are incubated in 35 to 45 days by both parents. The White-tailed eagles feed on fish and seabirds, but also carrion.

In Norway, the White-tailed eagle nests along the coast of Finnmark to Vest-Agder, but it is most prevalent in northern Norway. In 2008 it were recorded successful breeding of eagles in Droebak Oslofjord. Distribution area is constantly increasing, and a further increase in Telemark coast and fjord in the coming years is not unlikely.

Mature eagles often remain in one place, while younger birds disperse and often fly south- and west in winter.

Bodø is considered to have the densest population and are selected to be presented as Norway's White-tailed eagle-city. South Trøndelag has the species as its county bird.

After the eagle from Salten first rescued the Norwegian population after it was fully protected in 1968, it also rescued populations in the British Isles. After that the population in Norway was reached at a normal level, other countries where assisted. In Scotland and Ireland the eagle were extinct until the Norwegian eagles were flown over the North Sea. The project has undergone three periods. From 1975-1985, 1993-1998 and from 2007 until today. In both the first periods the eagle from Salten was sent over. Only in 2011 it was sent 16 eagle chicks to Scotland and 23 to Ireland from Trøndelag coast and west coast. So far it seems that the project has been a success. Today we have about 60 breeding pairs in Scotland, although there were some eagles who had adjustment problems, and one flew back across the North Sea.

Below is a video with pictures and videos of eagles that I have been lucky enough to gaze at relatively close range. Here you can find a link to high-resolution images used in the video. You are free to share video and photos with friends and family.