Steller's Sea Eagle

The Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), also known as the Pacific sea eagle or white-shouldered eagle, is a majestic bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is the heaviest eagle in the world, with females being larger than males. The eagle's striking appearance includes dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, a robust yellow beak, and powerful yellow talons.

Identification Tips

Adult Steller's sea eagles are characterized by their dark brown to black body contrasted with white on the shoulders, tail, and thighs. Their large yellow beak and talons are distinctive features. Juveniles have dark brown irises and a more uniform dark soot-brown plumage with white feather bases. The species is unique among sea eagles for having a yellow beak even in juvenile birds and possessing 14 tail feathers.

Habitat

Steller's sea eagles are endemic to coastal northeastern Asia. They favor habitats with large trees or rocky outcroppings near coasts and large rivers. During winter, they may migrate to rivers and wetlands in Japan or remain in forests and river valleys near the coast.

Distribution

This species breeds in Russia, Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan. In winter, many migrate to Korea, Japan, and China. They are less prone to vagrancy than other eagles, but occasional sightings have occurred in North America and inland Asia.

Behaviour

Steller's sea eagles are solitary hunters, often seen perched high above the water. They are powerful and active raptors, known to congregate in productive spawning rivers during salmon runs. In winter, they may form communal roosts near feeding sites.

Song & Calls

The Steller's sea eagle emits a deep barking cry, "ra-ra-ra-raurau," and during aggressive interactions, it calls similarly to the white-tailed eagle but deeper. Display calls at the beginning of the breeding season resemble loud, deep-voiced gulls.

Breeding

The eagle builds large nests high in trees or on rocky outcrops. Courtship involves soaring flights, and copulation occurs on the nest. They lay greenish-white eggs, with clutches typically containing one to three eggs. Chicks are altricial and fledge in August or early September, reaching adult plumage by four to five years of age.

Similar Species

Juvenile Steller's sea eagles can be confused with the white-tailed eagle but can be distinguished by their larger bill, darker body plumage, and distinct under-wing pattern.

Diet and Feeding

Steller's sea eagles primarily feed on fish, particularly salmon and trout. They also consume water birds, small mammals, and carrion. They hunt by perching above the water or walking in shallow areas, capturing prey by diving or grabbing passing fish.

Conservation status

The Steller's sea eagle is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Threats include habitat alteration, pollution, and overfishing. The current population is estimated at 5,000 individuals and is decreasing. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitat and food sources.