Erne

Erne is an English term historically used to refer to large sea eagles, especially the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). In older English literature and heraldry, an erne denotes a sea eagle; today the term is often superseded by “white-tailed eagle” for the species. The word also appears as a toponym, notably for the River Erne in Ireland.

The white-tailed eagle is a large raptor in the family Accipitridae. Adults have a dark brown body, a pale head and neck, and a white tail. They possess broad wings and a powerful flight. Juveniles are darker with a variable tail. They favor coasts, estuaries, and large lakes, feeding mainly on fish and waterfowl, but will prey on other animals when available. The species breeds in northern Europe and northern Asia, nesting in large trees or on cliffs.

Conservation: Once driven to near extinction in parts of its range by persecution and habitat loss, populations have recovered due to protection and reintroduction programs. It is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though regional declines continue to be monitored.

River Erne: The River Erne is a separate geographical feature in Ireland, formed by Upper and Lower Lough Erne and flowing to the Atlantic, passing through several counties before reaching the sea.