Adult white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) train their post-fledged young in catching prey

Authors

• Erik Bonsdorff 10600 Ekenäs
• Moira von Wright Halmstad University

Abstract

This article describes two observations from the outer archipelago of SW Finland on how adult white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) actively train their post-fledged offspring to identify, catch and handle prey outside the nest. This involves synchronised and deliberate behaviour from the adults. Adult-juvenile training may be fundamental, as the food sources are shifting, the competition for abundant food items is strong, and the dependence of alternative prey is increasing.