White-tailed eagle Kinky spotted in Scotland after surviving broken wing

A white-tailed eagle nicknamed “Kinky” has been spotted soaring over the Isle of Mull in Scotland, three years after surviving a severe wing injury. The bird fell from its nest during a storm in July 2023, resulting in a distinctive kink in its left wing where the bone healed.

In an unprecedented display of parental care, the eagle's parents reportedly skipped a breeding season to continue feeding the injured chick well into its first year. Experts from the RSPB and naturalists noted that such extended parenting behavior had not previously been witnessed in this species.

Now aged three and approaching maturity, Kinky has been observed flying near Loch Spelve and the island of Eorsa. While the bird is developing adult plumage, experts note that the transition to adulthood may bring challenges as he faces potential conflict with established adult eagle pairs.