Which bird of prey is the largest living bird in the United Kingdom?

The white-tailed eagle is the largest living bird of prey in the United Kingdom.

Also called the sea eagle, the white-tailed eagle has a very large body, broad wings, and a powerful yellow bill. Adults can reach a wingspan of about 2.4 metres, making them considerably larger than golden eagles in overall bulk and wingspan.

The species disappeared from much of Britain because of persecution and habitat changes. A major reintroduction programme began on the Isle of Rum in 1975, using birds from Norway. Later releases helped establish breeding populations in Scotland and eventually supported the species’ return to other parts of Britain.

White-tailed eagles eat fish, birds, and mammals, and they also scavenge. Their pale tail is most obvious in adults, while young birds are generally darker. They are also found widely across northern Europe and Asia.