Steller's Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus pelagicus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Steller's Sea Eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world. Its distinctive dark brown body sharply contrasts with white shoulders, tail, and thighs. The eagle's massive yellow beak is a standout feature, complemented by powerful yellow talons. The nostrils are also large and prominent.
Juveniles have a darker overall plumage, with mottled white on the wings and tail. Adults develop their full white markings by about five years of age, with no significant plumage differences between males and females. However, females are much larger.
Size
Length
85cm to 105cm
Wingspan
195cm to 250cm
Weight
4.9kg to 9kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Black
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Yellow
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Steller's Sea-eagles inhabit coastal areas, large rivers, and lakes in northeastern Asia, primarily in Russia's Far East, including Kamchatka and the Sea of Okhotsk coast. Their range extends to northern Japan, particularly Hokkaido, during winter months.
Some individuals may wander to Korea, northeastern China, and even Alaska, though such occurrences are rare. They prefer areas with abundant fish populations and suitable nesting trees near water bodies.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 100 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Steller's Sea-eagle. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Steller's Sea-eagle demonstrates remarkable agility for its size. Its ability to soar effortlessly on thermals and snatch fish from the water's surface with precision indicates high manoeuvrability. However, its large size may slightly limit its agility compared to smaller raptors.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As one of the largest eagles in the world, the Steller's Sea-eagle possesses exceptional strength. Its ability to lift prey weighing up to 6 kg from the water showcases its formidable power. The massive yellow beak and powerful talons further contribute to its strength rating.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
While primarily coastal, these eagles adapt to various habitats. Their ability to thrive in subarctic and temperate climates demonstrates good adaptability. However, their specialised diet and habitat preferences may limit their adaptability compared to more generalist species.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Steller's Sea-eagles are generally solitary and not known for excessive aggression. However, they likely display territorial behaviour during breeding season and when defending food sources. Their size and powerful build suggest they could be formidable when aggressive, but they don't seem to be overly confrontational.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Steller's Sea-eagle's endurance is impressive, as evidenced by its ability to soar for extended periods and its partial migratory behaviour. Their large size and robust build contribute to their stamina. The fact that they can withstand harsh subarctic conditions further supports their high endurance rating.
Diet
Fish form the bulk of the Steller's Sea-eagle's diet, particularly salmon and trout. They also prey on seabirds and small mammals and occasionally scavenge on carrion. Sometimes, they'll even steal from other birds.
These eagles use their powerful talons to snatch fish from the water's surface or shallow depths.
Behaviour
Steller's Sea-eagles are often solitary but may gather in small groups at abundant food sources. They soar effortlessly on thermals and updrafts, using their keen eyesight to spot prey.
During winter, these eagles can be seen perching on sea ice or coastal trees, patiently waiting for fishing opportunities.
Vocalisation
Steller's Sea-eagles are generally quiet but can produce a variety of vocalisations. Their call is a deep, barking 'kra-kra-kra' or 'kyow-kyow-kyow', often heard during territorial disputes or when pairs communicate. This call is similar to a large gulls.
Juveniles may emit high-pitched begging calls when soliciting food from parents.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Steller's Sea-eagles typically begins in late March or early April. Pairs are monogamous and often return to the same nesting site year after year.
Nests are massive structures made of sticks and lined with softer materials. They are built in large trees or on coastal cliffs. Females lay 1-3 eggs, which are white with a bluish tinge.
Incubation lasts about 39-45 days, shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after 10-11 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Steller's Sea-eagles face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Logging in their breeding areas and coastal development impact nesting sites.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key habitats and reducing human disturbances in their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them along coastlines and near large rivers in northeastern Asia
- Scan for their distinctive white tail and shoulders against dark plumage
- Visit known wintering grounds in Hokkaido, Japan, for the best viewing opportunities
- Observe them during early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Steller's Sea-eagles have few natural predators due to their size. However, eggs and chicks may be vulnerable to other large raptors, corvids, and climbing mammals.
Did You Know?
- Steller's Sea-eagles have the largest average wingspan of any eagle species.
- Their scientific name 'pelagicus' means 'of the sea', reflecting their coastal habitat preference.
- A Steller's Sea-eagle can lift prey weighing up to 6 kg (13 lbs) from the water's surface.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Haliaeetus pelagicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22695147A204871862.
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