Steller's Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus pelagicus

Wingspan

195–250cm

Body length

85–105cm

Weight

4,900–6,800g

Profile

Life expectancy
Clutch size: 1–3 eggs
Global status
Activity
Migration

Identification

The strikingly large orange-yellow bill, white shoulder patches and white wedge-shaped tail are the most distinctive features of adult plumage. Juveniles look much darker overall and less contrasting.

Colours

Plumage

Eyes

Legs & feet

Adult

White shoulders and a white wedge-shaped tail contrast with the dark plumage. Females are similarly coloured but usually much heavier.

Behaviour

The voice is a deep, harsh bark; loud call series can also be heard in the breeding season. Seasonal movements take many birds from the breeding grounds to ice-free coasts and waters rich in food.

Breeding & rearing

Large trees or cliffs near water carry the massive nests. Pairs often return to the old nest. Usually one young bird survives; successful broods of several young also occur.

Diet

Prey examples

Fish

It feeds mainly on fish, especially Pacific salmon. Waterbirds, smaller mammals and carrion are added; the proportions change with availability.

Occasional

Waterbirds

Hunting

In search flight or from a raised perch it spots fish near the surface. It seizes them with powerful talons and often carries the prey ashore.

Distribution

Range

Northeast Asia

Habitat

Rocky coasts, estuaries and large rivers in north-eastern Asia; in winter also on ice-free waters.

Rocky coast with open sea and wooded slopes — Coasts

Large lake with reed-fringed shores and adjacent forest — Lakes & rivers