White-tailed Eagle

Lifespan: Can live up to 27 years in the wild and up to 42 years in captivity.

Breeding: The time of breeding depends on the geographical location: in the southern part of the habitat it takes place in January, and in the Arctic regions in April-May. Nests are usually found on ledges of sea cliffs or in tall trees, less often on the ground. Pairs usually have several nests, which they use alternately. The nests are massive, built of branches and sticks, and the inside is lined with moss, grass, lichen or even seaweed.

Appearance: White-tailed Eagles are the largest birds of prey breeding in Lithuania. They are easily recognised by their large size, broad wings and short wedge-shaped tail. In flight, their ‘fingered’ wing tips are clearly visible and the wing movements are slow. Adult birds have nearly entire body brown with paler feather edges. The tail is white and beak is yellow. The young are darker with a dark tail and spotted plumage.