- Lifespan
- 20–30 years in the wild; one individual in Scotland reached at least 27 years old
- Size & Weight
- 70–90 cm long, wingspan 190–244 cm; 3.1–6.9 kg (females larger than males)
- Habitat
- Coastal and riverside areas with large trees for nesting, preferring proximity to open water for hunting fish and waterbirds.
- UK Distribution
- Resident breeder in Scotland (primarily north and west); expanding range southwards. Re-established after extinct in mainland Britain since 1918; reintroduction programme ongoing since 1975.
- Diet
- Primarily fish (especially pike and trout), supplemented with waterbirds, wildfowl, coots, and occasionally small mammals and seabirds.
- Prey
- Fish (pike, trout, perch), ducks, coots, grebes, gulls, rabbits
- Predators
- Golden eagles (chick predation); human persecution historically a major threat; nest disturbance and poisoning
- Mating Season
- November to March (courtship and nest-building); egg-laying January to March
- Breeding
- Clutch of 1–3 eggs (usually 2); incubation 35–46 days; fledging at 70–82 days; typically one brood per year
- Behaviour
- Highly territorial and site-faithful, often returning to the same nest for years. Monogamous pairs engage in spectacular aerial displays. Primarily hunt from perches or by swooping over water.