How the UK's largest bird of prey came back from extinction

How the UK's largest bird of prey came back from extinction

From The Birdy Bug Pod by Matthew and Steve

September 18, 2025 · 51 min · Season 1 · Episode 54

About this episode

This episode discusses the comeback of the white-tailed eagle in the UK after its extinction in the early 20th century.

Once widespread across the UK, the white-tailed eagle was driven to extinction by the early 20th century, but now, they are making a comeback! 2025 marks 50 years since the first reintroduction, when young eagles from Norway were released on the Isle of Rùm. Since then, the population has steadily grown, with birds now breeding across Scotland, and more recently even returning to raise chicks in England for the first time in over two centuries. Join us as we look back at the decline and disappearance of these magnificent birds, uncover the story of their return, and celebrate the dedicated organisations and tireless individuals who worked to bring the sea eagle back. Get in touch! Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi! Have you seen a white-tailed eagle? We'd love to hear about it. Follow us @thebirdybugpod Links Return: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary White-tailed eagle reintroduction project | Forestry England White-tailed eagle reintroduction & conservation | Rewilding Britain White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction on the Isle of Wight…

People in this episode

Hosts: Matthew, Steve

Topics covered

  • white-tailed eagle
  • extinction
  • reintroduction
  • conservation
  • wildlife
  • Scotland
  • England

Keywords

  • white-tailed eagle
  • extinction
  • reintroduction
  • conservation
  • wildlife
  • Scotland
  • England
  • Isle of Rùm
  • sea eagle

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Forestry England, Rewilding Britain, Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation

Books & works: Our White Tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Documentary

Places: Isle of Rùm, Scotland, England

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