Rare white-tailed sea eagle found dead in Aberdeenshire was poisoned
Police say the animal recovered earlier this year had been killed with pesticide.
Police Scotland have launched an investigation after a post mortem discovered that a white-tailed sea eagle which was found dead in Aberdeenshire back in April was poisoned.
Police say the bird of prey, which had actually been extinct in the UK in the early 1900's before being re-introduced to Scotland in the 70's had been given pesticide.
Police Inspector Sheila McDerment said:
"As well as being illegal, poisoning is a cruel way to kill a bird. It also puts the lives of other creatures and plants at risk and impacts negatively on our environment."
Police Scotland are appealing for information that might help trace those responsible.