They build huge nests in trees, bushes, cliffs, or on the ground, depending on what their environment offers. Like other sea eagles, white-tailed eagles have toes adapted to grasping smooth prey such as fish. Their excellent vision enables all eagles to spot prey from the air or a high perch. They frequently hunt in pairs for their favorite meal of diving birds. Keeping a sharp eye on the bird as it dives, the white-tailed eagle grabs it as soon as it resurfaces.
Fish is another staple of the white-tailed eagle's diet.
In fact, their diet is as adaptable as everything else about these birds. They will frequently eat fish in summer and waterfowl and carrion in winter, when fish are less plentiful. Eagles often eat their victims while still flying, breaking them apart and discarding the nonedible parts to lighten their load. Eagles, like most raptors, often dine on sick or wounded animals. There are more than 50 species of eagle spread throughout the world, with the exception of New Zealand and Antarctica.