Haliaeetus albicilla albicilla

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : White-tailed eagle
French : Pygargue à queue blanche

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 92 cm long for a weight of 6,9 kg and wingspan of 2,44 m. Adults are light brown, getting darker on legs and flight feathers. White tail, dirty beige-white head and neck. Yellow bill and eye-ring, clear eyes. Juveniles dark.

Range and habitat
The subspecies is found from west Iceland to most of far north Europe and Asia. Non breeding populations in Japan, China and central Asia. Other subspecies endemic to west Greenland. Lives in coasts, large river banks and estuaries around a wide range of habitats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species has been declining alarmingly in the past because of persecution, habitat loss and lead poisoning. Now, its populations are rising again. Conservation breeding and reintroduction program on the way in France, around the Léman Lake.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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