The golden eagle has been named Scotland’s favourite wild animal.
The bird of prey, commonly found in Perthshire, central Scotland, and the Highlands, topped a poll ahead of the red deer, red squirrel, seal and otter.
Almost 12,500 votes were cast online, with the golden eagle securing more than 4,700 (38%) in the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and VisitScotland campaign.
The red squirrel came second with about 2,500 votes, followed by the red deer.
The poll focused on the “big five” wild animals in Scotland but there were also votes cast for the wildcat, puffin and pine marten.
Golden eagles have a wing span of more than two metres and are said to be able to see better than humans, capable of spotting a rabbit 1.2 miles away. They hunt and eat medium-sized mammals and birds, with mountain hare, rabbits and grouse common prey in Scotland.
A number of the birds have been killed by poachers in the countryside but the number of incidents has fallen in recent years, with three birds – two buzzards and a golden eagle – poisoned illegally in 2012, down from 16 in the previous year.
SNH chief executive Ian Jardine said: “The response to the campaign has been brilliant. Thousands of people have voted for their favourite from Scotland’s ‘big five’ list.
“There have been several alternative lists put forward for seabirds, game animals, trees and plants, and support for rarer species like the pine marten and wildcat.
“It has got people thinking about and talking about wildlife, and showing how much affection and pride people have, not just for the five species on the list, but for Scottish wildlife generally.”
The vote was part of the promotion of Scotland’s wildlife in the year of Natural Scotland.
Environment minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “At present Scotland is home to all of the UK’s breeding pairs of golden eagles, and the species has done well to recover after almost being wiped out in the last two centuries.
“However, recent incidents have shown that the golden eagle is still threatened by illegal persecution in some areas.
“We have a responsibility to protect this wonderful bird so that future generations can continue to enjoy its presence in our skies.”