← Back to Fauna
Birds

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

White-tailed Eagle

General Overview

Codalbul is the undisputed "king" of the Danube Delta sky. As the largest bird of prey in Romania, the buzzard impresses with its huge wingspan and brute strength. It is a species closely related to the aquatic environment, being a symbol of conservation success in Europe. In the Danube Delta, the wagtail population is one of the healthiest on the continent, offering tourists and ornithologists the chance to see this majestic bird gliding above canals or perching majestically on old willows.

Physical Characteristics

Romania’s most impressive eagle. Adults (after 5–6 years) have a brownish body, pale cream-yellow head and neck, and a short, distinctly wedge-shaped white tail. The bill is massive and yellow-orange. Eyes are yellow. The wings are extremely broad and rectangular in flight — the characteristic “barn door” silhouette that distinguishes this species at a glance from all other European raptors. Juveniles are uniformly dark brown with a mottled tail; they take 5–6 years to acquire full adult plumage. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: females are significantly larger than males.

Habitat & Distribution

Present in the Danube Delta year-round — one of the densest breeding populations in Europe. Prefers large, open waters with wooded banks for nesting and abundant fish. Interior delta lakes (Razim, Sinoe, Roşu, Roşuleț) and Danube arms are favoured habitats. In winter, when lakes freeze, it may move to the lower Danube where water remains open. Wide global distribution from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from northern Europe to south-east Asia, making it one of the world’s most widespread eagles.

Behaviour & Feeding

A primary fish hunter but versatile and opportunistic. Takes fish by plunging feet-first to the water surface (does not dive fully like the Osprey). Also catches waterbirds (ducks, geese, coots) and small mammals. Readily consumes carrion — playing an important ecosystem hygiene role in the delta. Strong territorial behaviour: pairs defend territory against other White-tailed Eagles. Soaring flight on thermals is majestic and sustained. Pairs perform spectacular courtship displays — synchronised flights with talons locked together in cartwheeling spirals.

Life Cycle & Reproduction

Monogamous for life. Breeds early in spring (February–March). The nest is one of the largest bird structures in Europe — huge platforms of thick branches in tall trees (poplars, willows), 1–2 metres in diameter and up to 1 metre deep, reused for many years until they become immense. Clutch: 1–3 white eggs, incubated 38–40 days. Chicks fledge at 70–80 days. Usually 1–2 chicks survive per season. Sexual maturity is reached at 5–6 years, meaning young birds spend several years as wandering, non-breeding immatures before establishing their own territory.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern (LC) globally, with a remarkable European population recovery following decades of persecution, DDT poisoning, and habitat loss. In Romania, the White-tailed Eagle is strictly protected (Natural Monument) and has recovered significantly since the 1990s. The Danube Delta hosts one of the most important breeding populations in Europe — estimated at several hundred pairs. Current threats include electrocution on power lines, disturbance during the breeding season (the critical February–July period), and lead poisoning via prey shot with lead ammunition. A ban on lead ammunition in wetland areas is considered essential for the species’ long-term future.

Sources

  • SOR.ro — White-tailed Eagle
  • BirdLife International — White-tailed Eagle
  • IUCN Red List
  • Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration
  • Wikipedia.org