Yes, the UK is home to two native species of eagle: the white-tailed eagle (also called the sea eagle) and the golden eagle. Both are large birds of prey, but they occupy different habitats and have contrasting conservation histories, with white-tailed eagles being reintroduced to several parts of Britain after extinction, while golden eagles persist in the Scottish Highlands and islands.
Which Eagles Are Native to the UK?
Two eagle species breed in the UK:
- White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) – the largest UK eagle, with a wingspan up to 2.4 metres. It is a coastal and lowland species, feeding on fish, waterbirds, and carrion. It became extinct in Britain in the early 20th century but has been reintroduced in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Wight.
- Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – slightly smaller, with a wingspan up to 2.2 metres. It lives in mountainous and upland areas, mainly in Scotland, and preys on rabbits, hares, grouse, and sometimes foxes or deer calves. It never became extinct in the UK but its range has contracted.
Occasionally, other eagle species appear as vagrants – for example, the rough-legged buzzard is not an eagle, but the white-tailed eagle is often confused with it. The only other true eagle recorded in the UK is the spotted eagle, which has been seen very rarely as a migrant from Europe.
History and Reintroduction
White-tailed eagles were once widespread around the British coast, but by 1918 they were extinct in England and Scotland, driven out by persecution, habitat loss, and poisoning. The species survived in Norway and other parts of Europe. In the 1970s, a reintroduction programme began on the Scottish island of Rum, using young birds brought from Norway. That project was successful, and the population has grown to several hundred pairs in Scotland.
Golden eagles never disappeared from the UK, but their numbers declined due to illegal persecution and changes in land use. Today, there are roughly 500 breeding pairs in Scotland, with a few in northern England (the Lake District) and Wales, though those are mostly non-breeding or occasional visitors.
In 2019, a new reintroduction of white-tailed eagles began on the Isle of Wight, with the aim of restoring the species to southern England. That project has seen birds breeding in the wild in 2023 for the first time in over 200 years in the region.
Where to See Eagles in the UK
If you want to see eagles in the wild, the best places are:
- Isle of Mull, Scotland – one of the most reliable sites for white-tailed eagles, with a resident pair and an eagle-watching hide.
- Isle of Skye, Scotland – both species can be seen, especially around the Cuillin mountains and coastal cliffs.
- Scottish Highlands (e.g., Cairngorms, Loch Lomond) – golden eagles are often seen soaring over mountain ridges.
- Isle of Wight, England – the reintroduced white-tailed eagles are now breeding, and viewing points have been set up.
- Lake District, England – occasional golden eagles are seen, though breeding is rare.
For the best chance, visit in spring or early summer when birds are nesting and more active. Use binoculars or a telescope, and keep a respectful distance – eagles are sensitive to disturbance.
How to Identify the Two Species
At a glance, the two UK eagles look similar, but key differences help:
- Tail – white-tailed eagle has a short, wedge-shaped pure white tail (in adults); golden eagle has a longer, rounded tail that is brown with a pale base in young birds.
- Head and beak – white-tailed eagle has a massive, pale yellow beak and a prominent brow ridge; golden eagle has a smaller, darker beak and a more rounded head.
- Wing shape – white-tailed eagle holds its wings in a shallow V and flies with deep, slow wingbeats; golden eagle holds its wings in a slight dihedral (V-shape) and glides with wings raised.
- Plumage – adult white-tailed eagle is brown with a pale head and neck; golden eagle is dark brown with a golden sheen on the back of the head and neck.
Juvenile white-tailed eagles are dark brown with a dark tail, which can confuse – but they are much bigger than any buzzard and have a huge beak.
Conservation Status and Threats
Both species are protected by law in the UK, and killing or disturbing them is an offence. However, they face ongoing threats:
- Illegal persecution – poisoning, shooting, and trapping still occur, particularly on grouse moors where eagles are seen as a threat to game birds.
- Wind turbines – collisions with turbine blades are a growing risk, especially in upland areas.
- Disturbance – human activity near nests can cause breeding failure.
- Lead poisoning – eagles scavenge on carcasses that may contain lead shot, which is toxic.
Conservation groups like the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage work with landowners to reduce these threats. The white-tailed eagle population is slowly increasing, but the golden eagle population has been relatively stable in recent years.
Common Misconceptions
Many people confuse eagles with other large birds of prey. The most common mix-up is with the buzzard, which is much smaller (wingspan about 1.2 metres) and has a mewing call. Also, the red kite is often mistaken for an eagle because of its forked tail, but it is smaller and has a distinctive reddish-brown body.
Another misconception is that eagles are aggressive and carry off livestock. In reality, both UK eagles are opportunistic predators and scavengers. They may occasionally take lambs, but studies show that most lambs eaten are already dead or weak. They do not normally attack humans or pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there eagles in England?
Yes, but only in very limited areas. White-tailed eagles have been reintroduced on the Isle of Wight and are breeding there. Golden eagles are occasionally seen in the Lake District and Northumberland, but there is no confirmed breeding population in England at present.
What is the largest bird of prey in the UK?
The white-tailed eagle is the largest, with a wingspan of up to 2.4 metres. The golden eagle is slightly smaller. The next largest is the red kite, which is much smaller.
Can you see eagles in Wales?
Golden eagles were once present in Wales but are now extinct as breeding birds. There have been occasional sightings, but no confirmed breeding in recent decades. White-tailed eagles are not present in Wales.
Do eagles live in Scotland?
Yes, Scotland is the stronghold for both species. The majority of the UK’s golden eagles and white-tailed eagles are found in the Scottish Highlands, islands, and coastal areas.
Are eagles protected by law?
Yes, both species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill, injure, or disturb them, or to take their eggs. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
What do eagles eat in the UK?
White-tailed eagles eat fish (especially sea fish and carrion), waterbirds, rabbits, and hares. Golden eagles hunt rabbits, hares, grouse, and other birds, and also scavenge on carrion.
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