White tailed Eagle on the Isle of Mull

The White tailed Eagle is also known as the Erne or more commonly the Sea Eagle. It is the largest bird of prey in northern Europe and more of a coast hunting species than the Golden Eagle.

PLEASE NOTE: Access to the White tailed eagle viewing hide has changed – please see the latest information on the White tailed eagle viewing hide.

During 1975 a full scale re-introduction programme into Rhum in the Inner Hebrides brought the White tailed Eagle into Scotland from Norway. By 1985 Scotland had successfully hatched its first White tailed Eagle chick. Since then, numerous pairs of White-tailed Eagle have bred successfully including a healthy population on the Isle of Mull.

The White tailed Eagle has all of the characteristics of the Golden Eagle, large size, heavy build, it is particularly impressive in flight with shallow wing flaps, majestic glide and pronounced short wedge shaped white tail.

Courtship of the White Tailed Eagle begins late in the year and at this time there are opportunities for viewing its spectacular aerial displays.

White tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in flight

Breeding begins once a White tailed Eagle has reached the age of 5 or 6 years of age. Eggs are normally laid in March and usually there are two of them. As a rule they are incubated for approximately 38 days.

Once hatched, the chicks stay in the nest for about 10 to 13 weeks before leaving though they will still continue to beg for food from their parents for several months.

White tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) on rocks, Grass Point

Fish form a large portion of the Sea Eagle diet. They feed just like an Osprey by plunging into the water to catch fish with their sharp talons, but they have also been seen to drop on trout within very shallow water. The White tailed Eagle will also eat mammals, other birds and is very opportunistic taking carrion when available.

Where to see White tailed Eagles on the Isle of Mull

Loch Frisa is one of the best places to see White tailed Eagle or Sea Eagle on the Isle of Mull as well as Hen Harriers, Golden Eagles and Buzzards. The RSPB Eagle hide is open throughout the year, all enquiries and bookings can be made by calling telephone number : 01680 812556

Ordnance Survey Grid Reference : NM 5440 4585

PLEASE NOTE : This information has been updated for 2012 – please see current information for seeing White tailed Eagles on Mull.

Operation Easter / Mull Eagle Watch

Each year a dedicated team of volunteers, wildlife police and RSPB members oversee many of the Eagle nests around the Isle of Mull. If you wish to participate please telephone 01680 812556