MEET THE WILDLIFE OF MULL
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Discover the wide veriaty of amazing species that live on and around the Isle of Mull
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE
The white-tailed eagle is one of Mull’s most iconic and awe-inspiring wildlife species. Often called the “sea eagle,” it is the UK’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan that can exceed 2.4 metres, giving it an unmistakably powerful and commanding presence in the sky.
On Mull, white-tailed eagles are most commonly seen along the coastline, sea lochs and nearby islands, where they hunt fish, seabirds and carrion. They are broad-winged and slow-flying, frequently gliding low over the water before dropping to snatch prey with their strong talons. Adults are easily recognised by their pale heads and distinctive wedge-shaped white tails, while younger birds are darker and take several years to reach full maturity.
Mull plays a vital role in the species’ recovery in Scotland following reintroduction efforts in the late 20th century. Today, the island supports a strong breeding population and is considered one of the best places in the UK to see white-tailed eagles in the wild. They can be observed throughout the year, with spring and early summer offering opportunities to witness courtship displays and nesting behaviour.
Seeing a white-tailed eagle soaring over Mull’s rugged coastline is a memorable experience and a powerful symbol of the island’s rich and thriving natural heritage.
GOLDEN EAGLE
The golden eagle is one of Mull’s most impressive and evocative birds of prey, perfectly suited to the island’s wild upland landscapes. Slightly smaller and more agile than the white-tailed eagle, it is renowned for its speed, power and masterful flight, often seen soaring high above moorland and mountains on rising air currents.
Golden eagles favour Mull’s interior hills, open glens and rugged ridges, where they hunt mammals such as rabbits and hares, as well as birds. They are typically seen alone or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Adults are dark brown with golden feathers on the back of the head and neck that glow in good light, while juveniles show striking white patches on the wings and at the base of the tail.
Mull has long been a stronghold for golden eagles, and the island’s relatively quiet, expansive landscapes provide ideal conditions for nesting and hunting. They can be seen throughout the year, but spring offers the best chance to observe spectacular aerial displays as pairs defend territories and strengthen their bonds.
Watching a golden eagle circle effortlessly above Mull’s hills is a powerful reminder of the island’s untamed character and its importance as a refuge for some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife.
EURASIAN OTTER
The otter is one of Mull’s most charismatic and much-loved mammals, thriving along the island’s rugged coastline and sheltered sea lochs. Thanks to clean waters and an abundant food supply, Mull is considered one of the best places in the UK to see otters in the wild.
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Otters on Mull are most often found along rocky shores, kelp beds and quiet bays, where they hunt fish, crabs and other marine life. They are surprisingly active during daylight hours due to tidal conditions, making sightings more likely than in many other parts of Britain. Their long, sleek bodies, thick brown fur and playful behaviour make them instantly recognisable, whether swimming low in the water or scrambling over seaweed-covered rocks.
These coastal otters live solitary lives, each animal ranging over long stretches of shoreline. They use freshwater pools to wash salt from their fur and often leave signs of their presence, such as footprints and droppings, on prominent rocks.
Seeing an otter fishing or grooming itself along Mull’s shorelines is a special experience and a highlight for many visitors, perfectly capturing the quiet magic and rich biodiversity of the island.
HEN HARRIER
The hen harrier is one of Mull’s most graceful and distinctive birds of prey, closely associated with the island’s open moorland and rough grassland. Known for its low, buoyant flight, it is often seen gliding just above the ground with wings held in a shallow V, scanning for prey.
On Mull, hen harriers hunt small mammals and birds, using their exceptional hearing as well as keen eyesight to locate food hidden in the vegetation. Males are striking pale grey with black wing tips, earning them the nickname “ghost of the moor,” while females and juveniles are larger and brown with a prominent white rump patch that is visible in flight.
Hen harriers are most likely to be seen during the spring and summer months (but can winter in good numbers as well), when they breed on Mull’s moors. At this time, visitors may witness spectacular aerial displays, including the male’s sky-dancing courtship flights and food passes to the female near the nest.
As a species of conservation importance, the presence of hen harriers on Mull reflects the island’s healthy upland habitats. Spotting one drifting silently across the moor is a memorable moment and a true highlight for wildlife enthusiasts exploring the island.
HARBOUR & GREY SEAL
Harbour and grey seals are a common sight on the Isle of Mull, where they thrive in the rich coastal waters. These fascinating marine mammals can often be seen lounging on rocky shores or swimming in the surrounding sea. Harbour seals, known for their spotted coats, tend to inhabit sheltered bays, while the larger grey, with their distinctive long snouts, prefer rocky outcrops. Observing them in their natural habitat is a delightful experience for visitors a testament to the island's diverse wildlife.
RED DEER
The red deer on the Isle of Mull are a striking feature of the island's natural landscape. Known for their impressive antlers and majestic presence, these deer roam freely across the rugged and woodlands. The Isle of Mull offers a suitable habitat with plenty of food, allowing the red deer population to thrive. Visitors often have the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment, especially during the months when they are more active.
Deer management is very important to reduce the herbivore pressure on Mull and enable vegetation recovery island wide. High deer densities has reduced large areas of Mull to a simplified landscape with minimal biodiversity.
CORNCRAKE
The corncrake (Crex crex) is a secretive, rail-family bird with brown, streaked plumage. It’s difficult to spot because it hides in tall grass, iris beds and meadows, but its rasping “crex-crex” call is very distinctive and often heard at dawn and dusk. They are summer visitors, arriving back from central/southern Africa in spring and leaving by late summer or early autumn. The species is Red-listed in the UK because of long-term declines due to agricultural changes.
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Iona is one of the best places in the UK to hear corncrakes in spring and early summer, especially May and June—though they may arrive from late April.
The birds are more often heard than seen because they stay hidden in tall vegetation, but patient listeners with quiet observation can sometimes catch sight of them.
The island supports a small breeding population of corncrakes—birding guides have reported up to around 20 calling males during peak season.
GREAT-NORTHERN DIVER
The Great Northern Diver (called the Common Loon in North America) is a large, powerful waterbird in the diver/loon family. It’s not a regular UK breeder — almost all individuals seen here are winter visitors or passage migrants that travel from Arctic breeding grounds.
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Mainly a winter visitor: most arrive August–November and remain through March–April before migrating back north to breed.
Occasionally seen earlier in autumn passage or later in spring as birds depart.
Very rarely recorded inland on large lakes/reservoirs, though coastal sightings are far more typical.
The species does not normally breed in Britain or Ireland; its main breeding populations are in Iceland, Greenland and North America. There are a few historical or exceptional UK breeding records (e.g., possible sightings in Scotland), but these are extremely rare.
Roughly 2,500–4,000 Great Northern Divers winter around UK waters each year, with higher numbers typically off western and northern Scotland.
SHORT-EARED OWL
Occurs on Mull as both a breeder and winter visitor. They are recorded most years on open moorland, rough grassland and marshy ground — especially where voles and small mammals are plentiful.
Breeding has been confirmed in some suitable areas, though numbers fluctuate with prey availability (field voles).
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