White-tailed Eagle (also known as Sea Eagle or Erne)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Haliaeetus, Species: H. albicilla
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Allies)
- Shape
- Broadly lanceolate with a rounded tip; significantly more symmetrical than a primary flight feather, indicating it is a body or covert feather.
- Size
- Estimated 12-16 cm in length. This is a large feather for a contour type, reflecting the massive size of the bird (Europe's largest eagle).
- Rarity
- Common in suitable habitat within Croatia, but locally protected and a high-value find for enthusiasts due to the species' apex predator status.
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Description
A massive raptor with a wingspan up to 2.4 meters. Adults have a distinctive white tail and pale head, but immatures (like the owner of this feather) are darker with mottled brown and white patterns throughout. They are known for their 'barn door' wing profile in flight.
Colour & Pattern
Features a mottled 'salt and pepper' or terminal banding pattern. The base is creamy-white transitioning into grayish-brown irregular bars and spots. This specific variegated pattern is typical of sub-adult (immature) plumage before they reach the solid brown body of adulthood.
Barb Structure
The lower portion is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation, transitioning to a pennaceous (interlocked) structure toward the tip for water shedding and protection. The barbs are relatively coarse.
Texture & Surface
The surface is matte and slightly coarse. It feels stiff at the tip but very soft and silky at the downy base. It lacks the oiliness of waterfowl feathers but is highly durable.
Key Features
Large size, thick white rachis, and the distinctive irregular brown-on-cream banding/mottling which is diagnostic for immature Haliaeetus species in Europe.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs, large freshwater lakes, and river deltas. Lonjsko Polje provides the perfect swampy, flooded forest habitat rich in fish and waterbirds.
Geographic Range
Found across Northern Eurasia. In Croatia, they are concentrated along the Sava and Drava river basins and coastal areas. High density in the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park.
Ecological Role
Apex predator and scavenger. They play a vital role in cleaning ecosystems by eating carrion and controlling populations of waterfowl and fish.
Similar Species
Lesser Spotted Eagle (smaller, different banding) or juvenile Golden Eagle (darker, usually has a more defined white base on tail feathers rather than mottling throughout).
Interesting Facts
The White-tailed Eagle is the national symbol of Poland and was the inspiration for the German Federal Coat of Arms. They are incredibly long-lived, reaching up to 20-25 years in the wild.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows some 'weathering' and separation of barbs at the edges, suggesting it was molted naturally and spent some time on the ground before being found.
Notes
i found this in a bird reserve Lonjsko Polje, Croatia, a swampy area