The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) — Europe's largest eagle and one of the world's largest raptors — was extinct in the UK by 1918, a victim of persecution by gamekeepers, farmers, and egg collectors. Its return through a series of reintroduction programmes is one of Britain's most spectacular conservation achievements.
White-tailed eagles were first reintroduced to Scotland (Fair Isle, then Rum) from Norway in the 1970s-1980s. The Scottish population now numbers over 150 pairs. More recently, young eagles from Scotland were released in East England (Norfolk, 2019) and Dorset/Hampshire (Isle of Wight, 2019), with additional releases planned. These southern reintroductions are extending the species' range back towards historically occupied lowland England for the first time in centuries.
White-tailed eagles are opportunistic predators and scavengers, taking fish, waterfowl, rabbits, hares, and carrion. They are strongly associated with large water bodies — sea lochs, estuaries, large inland lakes — where fish are accessible. They build enormous stick nests (eyries) in mature trees, reusing and adding to them over years. Pairs typically fledge 1-2 young every 1-2 years.
White-tailed eagles occasionally take lambs, creating conflict with sheep farmers. Evidence suggests that actual lamb predation is far lower than perceived — most lambs taken are already dead or dying. Nevertheless, financial compensation schemes (SNH Scotland) and community engagement programmes have been essential to building tolerance for eagle reintroduction in farming communities.