Golden Eagle vs White-tailed Eagle: How to Tell Them Apart

This striking and much-admired raptor is larger than the Buzzard; its wings are almost twice as long and they narrow more towards the base, and the tail is quite long, too. The bill is strong, the plumage mostly dark brown though the feathers on the back pale at the margins, and the neck and head are golden-tinged. The tail is barred, though this isn't always obvious; when flying, the edges of the wings may seem to swell, and the head is distinctly in front of the wings. The male is smaller than the female. Juvenile birds are similar to adults, though they have white patches on the wings, and the base of the tail is white with a dark tip. The whiteness at the base of flight feathers varies as immature birds age.

When in the UK, this eagle lives in remote, higher regions in the north and northwest, particularly the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and a small number in northern England. It prefers rugged, open country, moorlands and mountain ranges.

Utters an occasional yelp call.

Larger and longer-winged than the Golden Eagle, this bird has wide, plank-like wings with fingered tips, and a short, white, wedged tail. The sexes are similar, though females are slightly larger and darker, their bills a bit bigger. Plumage is predominately brown, though the head and neck are paler than the torso; legs and bill are yellow. The white tail may be hard to see when the bird is stationary. Juvenile birds are darker than adults and are without the white tail.

The coast of Scotland and Ireland sees small breeding numbers. Large lakes and the rocky shores of oceans are typical habitats.

Utters a high-pitched 'kew, kew, kew, kew' when close to nest or in courtship. Also has a loud, melancholy whistle call.