New study shows White-tailed Eagles in Scotland do not rely on lambs for food during the breeding season - RSPB

Lambs aren’t a major part of the diet of breeding White-tailed Eagles a new study has found. But what are they eating and how will this latest study help protect the UK’s biggest bird of prey?

White-tailed Eagles, or Sea Eagles, are massive. These ‘flying barn doors’ are one of the UK’s most spectacular species, with wings that can span 2.4m. They were finally persecuted to extinction here in the early 20th century, but after reintroductions starting in 1975 there are now around 150 pairs, found mainly in Scotland.

What they eat depends to some extent on what’s around. They’re opportunistic eaters, catching their own prey as well as scavenging carrion. They will sometimes steal food from other birds and even otters. Their varied diet is essential because they need a lot of food to survive. During the breeding season while they’re rearing young, they each require 500-600g of food per day!

Some White-tailed Eagles are known to occasionally eat lambs, and although most are scavenged as carrion, some may be taken alive. However how many has proved hard to establish. This has brought the eagles into conflict with farmers and crofters, with concerns raised about the impact on livestock. The new study wanted to find out what made up their diet in the breeding season as the eagle numbers increase and their range extends.