Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) - I took this photo in Hokkaido, Japan
Key data
Size: 85 - 105 cm
Weight: 5 - 9 Kg
Diet: Fish, carrion, birds
Season: Winter in Japan, all year in Russia / Summer bird
Observation tip: Lakes, sea, rivers
Photography tips:
Lens: 600 mm or greater
Difficulty level: Difficult
The Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is an impressive bird species and belongs to the family of Accipitridae. It is the largest sea eagle in the world and can reach a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters.
The body length varies between 85 and 105 centimeters, while the wingspan can reach up to 2.8 meters. The weight of Steller's sea eagles usually ranges from 5 to 9 kilograms, with females often being larger and heavier than males. With their impressive size and strength, Steller's sea eagles are effective hunters and play an important role in their ecosystem.
The plumage of Steller's sea eagles is typically dark brown or black, while the head, neck, and tail are white. The beak and claws are very strong and yellow in color. The eyes are yellow/brown.
Steller's sea eagles are native to East Asia and occur in areas such as the Russian Far East, Japan, Korea, and China. They live near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and coasts and mainly feed on fish and other aquatic animals.
Like many other eagle species, Steller's sea eagles are threatened by human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, and illegal trade. Protective measures have been taken in some countries, such as Japan, Russia, China, and South Korea, to preserve and promote the population of Steller's sea eagles. Nevertheless, it is considered vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
