White-tailed Eagle
Eryr y mor - Haliaeetus albicilla
The White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is part of the Accipitridae family which includes other diurnal raptors such as hawks, harriers, and buzzards. Otherwise known as ‘sea eagles’ the White-tailed eagle is part of the sea eagle family and is our largest bird of prey in the UK. Males weigh on average 4.5kg (10lb) and females weigh on average 6.9kg (15lb). In the UK the average wingspan of a male is 2.18m (7ft) and 2.5m (8ft) for females.
The bird inhabits stretches of marine and freshwater regions such as coastlines, rivers, lakes wetlands, and estuaries. Wales is a great place to restore the White-tailed Eagle. Historically a native and widespread species Wales lost the White-tailed eagle in the 1830s and the last known breeding pair bred at Kenfig Burrows, now known as Kenfig Nature Reserve on the Swansea Coast, South Wales.
Over 300 prey species have been recorded in the White-tailed eagle’s diet. As an aquatic prey specialist, typical prey comprises of freshwater and marine fish, waterfowl, ducks, geese, swans, gulls, cormorants, herons, and carrion. These birds prefer hunting across shallow waters but are versatile and opportunistic hunters and take a wide variety of prey including rats, rabbits, hares, frogs, and even Cuttlefish!
White-tailed eagle programme
Project status:
Our White-tailed Eagle programme is in the project planning phase and ready to launch the final necessary steps to assess the social and ecological feasibility required to restore White-tailed eagles to Southeast Wales and the Severn Estuary.
Project partnerships:
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Gwent Wildlife Trust.
Project sponsors:
British Birds of Prey Centre, Cardiff University
Project Funding:
Our White-tailed Eagle programme is currently being funded by the Ecological Restoration Fund.
Current Research:
Sophie-lee Williams [2023]. Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs) to assess the positive and negative ecological impacts of a White-tailed Eagle reintroduction to the Severn Estuary. Eagle Reintroduction Wales [Ongoing].
Sophie-lee Williams [2023]. Community and stakeholder perceptions and attitudes towards a White-tailed Eagle reintroduction in Wales. Eagle Reintroduction Wales [Ongoing].
Lucy Rowley [2023-2026]. Understanding the genetic variation of current UK and European White-tailed eagles to inform future UK translocations. Cardiff University, PhD Thesis [Ongoing].
Andrew Peat [2023]. Population Viability Analysis to inform the reintroduction of White-tailed eagle to Southeast Wales. Cardiff University, Master Thesis [Onoging].
Gregory Miles [2023]. The spatial and temporal distribution of summer prey items for White-tailed eagles across the Severn Estuary & Bristol Channel. Cardiff University, Master Thesis [Ongoing].
Matthew Cooke [2023]. The spatial and temporal distribution of winter prey items for White-tailed eagles across the Severn Estuary & Bristol Channel. Cardiff University, Master Thesis [Ongoing].
Project Research:
Sophie-lee Williams, Sarah Perkins, Roy Dennis, James Byrne & Robert Thomas (2020). An evidence-based assessment of the past distribution of Golden and White-tailed Eagles across Wales. Conservation Science 2(8). Available here.
Lauren Rees (2020). Assessing Welsh public attitudes towards White-tailed Eagles in South Wales. Implications for future reintroduction. University of the West of England, Master Thesis [Unpublished].
Sophie-lee Williams [2021]. The Eagle Reintroduction Wales (ERW) project: An assessment to restore our native-lost eagles. Cardiff University, PhD Thesis. Available here.
Photo Ⓒ Jeff Smith
Restoring White-tailed Eagles to South-east Wales & the Severn Estuary
Eagle Reintroduction Wales is working in partnership with Durrell Wildlife and Gwent Wildlife Trust to restore this magnificent native-lost species back to the skies, coastlines, estuaries, wetlands, rivers and lakes of South-east Wales and the wider Severn Estuary.
The area has plenty of suitable habitat, natural resources and prey available for White-tailed Eagles. Other European reintroductions have highlighted that by restoring this important species, and it’s ecosystem functions, they provide wider conservation benefits to regulate and support habitat and wildlife health and resilience across aquatic ecosystems
Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the White-tailed Eagle soaring back over the skies of Modern Wales!
How do I learn more?
You can learn more about the restoration of White-tailed Eagles to Southeast Wales by reading our Frequently Asked Question {FAQ}report or by watching our Eryr Y mor Cymru webinar.
How can I get involved?
You can get involved in the restoration of White-tailed Eagles to Southeast Wales and the Severn Estuary by taking part in our Public Opinion Survey or attending our Public Drop-in Sessions and/or register to one of our landowner workshops.
Public Opinion Survey
This survey is to explore the public’s perceptions towards White-tailed Eagles and opinions about their return to South-east Wales and the Severn Estuary.
This is your opportunity to have your say! This short survey will take 10 minutes to complete and welcomes all views and knowledge levels. Anyone over 18 that lives in Wales and/or the Severn Estuary & Wider Bristol Channel are encouraged to take part! Welsh and English surveys are available below ……
Public Drop- in Sessions
Public drop-in sessions will be held at 4 locations across South-east Wales & the Severn Estuary (See below).
Local members of both Welsh and English communities can arrive at any time during these drop in sessions, and the project team will be present to answer questions and to discuss the proposals to return White-tailed Eagles.
Landowner Workshops
Landowner workshops will also be held in-person at 4 locations across South-east Wales & the Severn Estuary and two online workshops for wider outreach.
Keep an Eagle Eye out for dates and locations for these workshops. They will be released shortly. You will need to register for these events!