[43] In winter, immature Steller's sea eagles may frequent slaughterhouses to pirate bits of offal. [3][19][22] Steller's sea eagle can range in total length from 85 to 105 cm (2 ft 9 in to 3 ft 5 in), apparently males average about 89 cm (2 ft 11 in) in length, while females average about 100 cm (3 ft 3 in), marginally shorter on average than the harpy eagle and about 65 mm (2.6 in) shorter than the Philippine eagle. Should cities start banning them? The Steller's Sea Eagle is the heaviest eagle in the world, and one of the most visually striking. All rights reserved. A sturdy eagle, it has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, and yellow beak and talons. "Philippine Birds of Prey: Interrelations among habitat, morphology and behavior", Steller’s Sea Eagle – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Japan's Winter Wildlife Zoom In @ National Geographic Magazine, "Steller's sea eagle videos, photos and facts – Haliaeetus pelagicus", Diet of the Steller’s Sea Eagle in the northern Sea of Okhotsk, "Seasonal change in habitat use in Steller's sea eagles", "Kamatchka:Golden Eagle fights Steller's Sea Eagle", Steller's sea eagle photo – Haliaeetus pelagicus – G113853, The Secret Lives of Sea Eagles – National Wildlife Federation, Photo Keywords : steller's sea eagle : White-tailed Eagle and Steller's Sea Eagle, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steller%27s_sea_eagle&oldid=1015937294, Articles with Russian-language sources (ru), Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 4 April 2021, at 13:02. [41] Persecution of the bird in Russia continues, due to its habit of stealing furbearers from trappers. Bald eagles can weigh up to 6.3 kg (13 lb 14 oz), making them the largest eagle native to North America. (2000). A sturdy eagle, it has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, and yellow beak and talons. Steller's sea eagles do not occur in large numbers, but their populations appear to be stable. The tail of the immature eagle is white with black mottling distally. The Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a striking bird of prey native to coastal northeastern Asia. A translation of an earlier Russian book written by Masterov and Romanov, the English version benefits from significant updates and a wealth of new photographs. [12] In Korean, the eagle is called chamsuri (true eagle or real eagle). All this factors have affected the Steller's Sea Eagles. and trout. [3][18][19] The average weight is variable, possibly due to seasonal variation in food access or general condition of eagles, but has been reported as high as a mean mass of 7,757 g (17.101 lb) to a median estimate weight of 6,250 g (13.78 lb), excluding expired eagles that were poisoned by lead and endured precipitous weight loss by the occasion of their deaths. [34] The bold, pied coloration of adults may play some part in social hierarchies with other eagles of their own species during the nonbreeding season, although this has not been extensively studied. (Eds.). [52] In one case, a cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), the largest living accipitrid, was observed to be pursued in flight and kleptoparasitized by a Steller's sea eagle. [13], As in most Haliaeetus eagles, the tarsus and tail are relatively short compared with other very large eagles at 95–100 mm (3.7–3.9 in) and 320–390 mm (13–15 in) in length, respectively, the Philippine eagle surpassing it by up to 40 mm (1.6 in) and 110 mm (4.3 in) apparently. [29][35], Steller's sea eagle breeds on the Kamchatka Peninsula, the coastal area around the Sea of Okhotsk, the lower reaches of the Amur River and on northern Sakhalin and the Shantar Islands, Russia. [29], On Hokkaido, eagles are attracted by abundant Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) which peak in the Rausu Sea and the Nemuro Straits in February. Each winter, many Steller's sea eagles migrate from their breeding grounds to Japan, and a few reach Korea or even farther afield. 3. Any of these small, clever nest predators rely on distraction and stealth to prey on the eagle's nests and are killed if caught by either of the parents. Lead poisoning of Steller’s Sea-Eagle (. [3] These eagles may walk boldly within a few feet of fishermen when both are capturing fish during winter, but only familiar ones they have encountered previously: they behave warily and keep their distance if strangers are present. It is considered the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface, with Steller's sea eagle and the harpy eagle being larger in terms of weight and bulk. Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2021 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Steller's Sea Eagle is one of the creatures in the Brave Bogatyrs Collection. Steller's sea eagles that do migrate fly down to winter in rivers and wetlands in Japan, but will occasionally move to mountainous inland areas as opposed to the sea coast. [3], The downy plumage of chicks is silky white on hatching, though it soon turns a smoky brown-grey. Steller's Sea Eagle In 1740 Georg Steller, a young German doctor and naturalist, accompanied the explorer Vitus Bering on his search for a land bridge between Russia and America. On Kamchatka, eagles overwinter in forests and river valleys near the coast, but are irregularly distributed over the peninsula. No subspecies are recognised. Potapov, E., U. Irina, M. McGrady, and D. Rimlinger. Steller's sea eagles . [3][20], The wingspan is from 1.95 to 2.5 m (6 ft 5 in to 8 ft 2 in) and the wing chord measurement is 560 to 680 mm (22 to 27 in). [30], Fish make up about 80% of the diet of eagles nesting in the Amur River; elsewhere, other prey form almost an equal proportion of the diet. The chicks are altricial and covered in whitish-down on hatching. Another 600 pairs occur in the lower Amur. Habitat with large Erman's birches (Betula ermanii) and floodplain forests of larches, alders, willows and poplar are preferred. This species’ conservation status is ‘vulnerable’. Open water provides these eagles with their main food sources along coastlines and lakes. Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Eagle numbers peak in the Nemuro Strait in late February. The species sports an impressive wingspan of 7 feet on average though larger eagles are suspected to exist. [29] Clutches can contain from one to three eggs, with two being the average. This area is the only one in the golden eagle's nearly circumpolar range where they are extensively dependent on fish for prey. [3][18][19][20][21], At its average weight, the Steller's seems to outweigh the average harpy by approximately 500 g (1.1 lb) and the average Philippine eagles by more than 1,000 g (2.2 lb). Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? An additional 89 nesting areas are not monitored. Possibly, up to 3,500 birds winter on Kamchatka, and another roughly 2,000 may occur on Hokkaido. The last winter was very snowy, the sea was almost ice-free all winter. The furry red fox managed to escape with a fish in its mouth, fleeing the giant Steller's sea eagles on a frozen lake near Hokkaido, Japan. International Union for Conservation of Nature, "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species", http://kamchatka.org.ru/eng/aboutK/fauna.html, "New World vultures, Secretarybird, kites, hawks & eagles", "Steller's Sea Eagle – Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens". [24][25] However, less substantiated records indicate that it may also reach even greater wingspans. Cornell University Press. [12] Definitive plumage is probably reached in the fourth to fifth year of life, based on data from captives. 4. Steller's Sea Eagle is the winner of the 2019, TWS (The Wildlife Society) Wildlife Publication Award. This is not to mention the differing shape of the Steller's diamond-shaped tail and wings (paddle-like in Steller's against the square looking wings of the white-tailed), especially in flight, as well as a generally distinct under wing pattern. Ice reaches Hokkaido in late January. A sturdy eagle, it has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, and yellow beak and talons. The Stellers sea-eagle is often easy to spot, with its dark body; white forehead, shoulders, tail, and thighs; and bright-yellow bill. BirdLife International (2003). Steller's sea eagles are native to eastern Russia, and migrate to Japan each winter where they are now revered. Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Young of the typical morph and the rare dark morph are alike; the difference only becomes clear once they have gained the adult plumage. Steller's Sea Eagle breeds on the Kamchatka Peninsula, the coastal area around the Sea of Okhotsk, the lower reaches of the Amur river and on northern Sakhalin and the Shantar Islands, Russia. Generally, the species' outlook is favorable. They usually place such nests high up on trees or on rocky outcrops at 15 to 20 m (49 to 66 ft) above the ground, sometimes in trees up to 45 m (148 ft). [54] Due primarily to egg predation and nest collapses, only 45–67% of eggs are successfully reared to adulthood and up to 25% of nestlings may be lost. All rights reserved. They have black and brown feathers and a strongly arched yellow bill. All three have yellow eyes, beaks, and talons, unlike their next-closest relative, Pallas's fish eagle. Once it reaches roughly adult size in the fledgling stage, few predators can threaten this species. STELLER'S SEA EAGLE VS WHITE-TAILED EAGLE - Which is the most powerful sea eagle? [3] They lay their first greenish-white eggs around April to May. In the mountains of Koryakan and along the Bay of Penshina, over 1,200 pairs breed and at least 1,400 juveniles occur. Their favored prey in river habitats are salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) bush warblers • Cranes • solitary snipe • Steller's Sea Eagle • Whiskered Tern Han River, February 6 Bird News from Nial Moores and Russell Graham Highlights at a couple of stops on the Han River today included a superb adult Steller’s Sea Eagle, spectacularly fighting off 4 or 5 White-tailed Eagles from a stolen waterbird carcass; three … [3] This sea eagle may supplement its diet with various mammals (especially hares[3][29]), crabs, mussels, Nereis worms and squid when given the opportunity. Adult is striking, even from a great distance: rich brown overall, with snow-white tail, belly, and shoulder patches. Preferred breeding areas include the coastlines of the Kamchatka peninsula, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Amur River, Northern Sakhalin and the Shantar Islands of Russia. The Steller's Sea Eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus, is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.It lives in coastal northeastern Asia and mainly preys on fish and water birds. When measured by average weight, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is the heaviest bird of prey in the world. The eagle watchers: Observing and conserving raptors around the world. In one case, a wildlife veteranian was badly injured when a female eagle grabbed his arm and embedded her talons, piercing through to the other side of his arm. [40] In Russia, upland grouse, such as black-billed capercaillie (Tetrao parvirostris) and willow and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus & L. muta) can be an important prey species; grouse are not typically taken by other Haliaeetus species. [17], Steller's sea eagle is the largest bird in the genus Haliaeetus and is one of the largest raptors overall. On Kamchatka, most migrants are birds in transitional plumages. [3][31][33], The mature Steller's sea eagle has mostly dark brown to black plumage, with strongly contrasting white on the lesser and median upper-wing coverts, underwing coverts, thighs, under-tail coverts and tail. Where to find warrior queens, fairies, and castles in Scotland. Collect all from collection to receive an end collection pet and a badge which can give you a rank in game. Kleptoparasitism is most beneficial in procuring food during periods of food abundance and in large feeding aggregations. [12][29], Courtship, which usually occurs between February and March, and reportedly simply consists of a soaring flight above the breeding area. [17], First and intermediate plumages are difficult to distinguish from those of the white-tailed eagle, which co-occurs in the entire breeding range of the Steller's. Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss, 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt, How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition, How Queen Victoria remade the British monarchy, Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation, Europe to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clots. A field guide to the Birds of Korea (2005). The timing, duration, and extent of migration depends on ice conditions and food availability. About 280 pairs are on Sakhalin Island and a few on the Kurile Islands. Appearance: Steller’s sea eagles have distinctive black and white feathers, with large, orange beaks. Around 35% of eagles wintering in Japan move inland and feed largely on mammalian carcasses, predominantly sika deer (Cervus nippon). Those recorded as prey have included sable (Martes zibellina), American mink (Neovison vison), Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and small domestic dogs (Canis lupus domesticus). [3] The feet are very powerful despite not bearing talons as long as those of a harpy eagle. On Hokkaido, eagles concentrate in coastal areas and on lakes near the coast, along with substantial numbers of white-tailed eagles. Steller’s sea eagle diet consists of fish, crabs, salmon, trout, squid, small animals, and squid. Annual salmon runs provide an enormous bounty and Steller's sea eagle nests are typically located near coasts and rivers where these fish appear en masse. Fully grown fledglings in tree nests are probably invulnerable to predation. Then, on Vitus Bering’s se… [5] The species name is the Ancient Greek pelagos "the open sea/ocean". The Steller's sea eagle, which is larger in weight, total length and non-wing standard measurements, may be the closest rival for median wingspan amongst living eagles. Steller's Sea Eagle is a Fusion of Eagle and Eurasian Blackbird. [12] Due to a lack of other accessible prey in some areas, increasingly, eagles on Hokkaido have moved inland and scavenged on sika deer carcasses left by hunters, exposing them to a risk of lead poisoning through ingestion of lead shot. Other individuals do not migrate, but simply move to open water as winter approaches. [49][50][51], In other cases, the three eagle species have been observed to feed in close proximity and seem to be outwardly indifferent to each other's presence. The feathers on their shoulders, tail and legs are white. Why we need booster shots against variants to help end the pandemic, This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system. The eaglets fledge in August or early September. Most wintering birds there appear to be residential adults. These eagles are believed to breed only in far eastern Russia, along the coasts and surrounding islands of the Sea of Okhotsk and Bering Sea. They are dark but dramatically colored with white tail, shoulders, rump, thighs and forehead. [4] Steller's sea eagle is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened species. [3][29] In all sea and fish eagles, the toes are relatively short and stout, with the bottom of the foot covered in spicules and the talons being relatively shorter and more strongly curved than in comparably sized eagles of forests and fields, such as the "booted eagle" group (i.e. Eagle of the sea: Often called the worlds most magnificent bird of prey, the Stellers sea-eagle is dark, impressive, the largest of all sea-eagles, and the heaviest known eagle. Here's why we need to save them. The eggs range from 78 to 85 mm (3.1 to 3.3 in) height and 57.5 to 64.5 mm (2.26 to 2.54 in) in width and weigh around 160 g (5.6 oz), being slightly larger than those of harpy eagles. Thalassaetus pelagicus (Pallas), Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. These birds of prey hunt from a perch or from flight by diving and clutching prey in their talons. [47], Kleptoparasitism is sometimes recorded within the species. It was originally described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. [44] Often seals and sea lion of any size are eaten as carrion and, using the huge bill, may be dismembered where found rather than flown with. They are most common on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Dark Steller's sea eagle solves 100 year debate. The only extant eagle species known to be more massiv… [41] They also show a strong local preference for slaty-backed gulls (Larus schistisagus). The skull is around 14.6 cm (5.7 in) in total length, the culmen is from 62 to 75 mm (2.4 to 3.0 in) and the bill from the gape to the tip is around 117 mm (4.6 in). [13], The Steller's sea eagle is monotypic, although a dubious subspecies has been named; H. p. [47] As in many sea and fish eagles, Steller's sea eagle may attempt to steal (and occasionally succeed in procuring) fish from osprey (Pandion haliaetus) where they coexist. [12], Saito, K. (2009). About 500 pairs live in the Khabarovsk region of the Okhostsk coast, and 100 on the Shantar Islands. Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. An immense eagle with large head and massive orange bill to match. It is among the largest and heaviest eagles in the world achieving lengths of 2 – 3.5 feet and weighing 11 – 20 pounds. Standing a metre tall, with a wingspan approaching three metres, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is a magnificent and impressive bird. [12] However, once fully grown, the eagle has no natural predators. This species was first described as Aquila pelagica by Prussian naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, in 1811. Named after German naturalist Georg Steller, these powerful members of the Accipitridae bird family are amazing, and every birder should learn more about how to protect them. White-tailed eagle-Wikipedia. In inland areas, where golden, bald and white-tailed eagles compete over food sources which are not as abundant as these fish and, more importantly, compete for nesting ranges, aggressive interspecies competition can be more common. 2. The hunt begins from a perch 15 to 150 feet above the water. Through at least three intermediate plumages, mottling in the tail decreases, body and wing feathering acquires a bronze cast, and the eye and bill lighten in colour. The town was in deep fog, the sea was stormy. Sea eagles vary in size, from Sanford's sea eagle, averaging 2.0–2.7 kg (4 lb 7 oz–5 lb 15 oz), to the huge Steller's sea eagle, weighing up to 9 kg (20 lb). Predators-Steller’s sea eagle does not have any natural predators. [31] In coastal areas, nesting eagles may feed on Bering wolffish (Anarchichas orientalis), Hemitripterus villosus, smooth lumpfish (Aptocyclus ventricosus) and Myoxocephalus spp. Steller’s sea eagles live along narrow strips of coast in Siberian Russia and the northern parts of Korea where they (as their name implies) rely on ocean fish for sustenance. [31][32] Steller's sea eagle's bill is probably the largest of any living eagle, just surpassing to the Philippine eagle with a sole known culmen measurement (from a mature female) of 72.2 mm (2.84 in), and are similar in robustness (if slightly shorter in culmen length) to those of the largest accipitrids, the Old World vultures. They are legally protected, being classified as a National Treasure in Japan and mostly occurring in protected areas in Russia. Aquila) or "harpy eagles", all of these specializations developed in the aid of capturing fish rather than medium-sized mammals and large birds, although clearly these are not excluded from capture. Some eagles, especially those that nest in sea coast, may not migrate. Reproduction: Steller’s form monogamous pairs which means that they mate for life. Once located, prey is captured by diving. [10] It is named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller. Making use of its eight-foot wingspan, the eagle circles about 20 feet above the water, scanning for fish. Their feathers were once highly prized, but today these magnificent birds are protected throughout their range. Migrants tend to follow sea coasts and are usually observed flying singly. [3][12][23] The sea eagle's wingspan is one of the largest of any living eagle, at a median of 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) per Ferguson-Lees (2001) or a median of 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) per Saito (2009). It was originally described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is the heaviest and one of the most fierce raptors on our planet; their plumage is blackish brown-black all over except on the shoulders, rump, tail, thighs, and forehead, which are white. Description. A 1996 analysis of the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA showed that Steller's sea eagle diverged from a lineage that gave rise to the bald eagle and white-tailed eagle around 3 to 4 million years ago. [3][29], As in all fish and sea eagles, as well as the majority of the world's fish-eating raptors, Steller's sea eagle has spicules, which are bumpy waves all along the bottom of their feet, which allow them to hold fish that may otherwise slip out of their grasp. [12] In summer, live fish, typically in the range of 20 to 30 cm (7.9 to 11.8 in) in length, are fed to the young at the nest. These birds have an enormous, strongly arched yellow bill and females are generally larger than the males. Eagles sometimes hunt by standing in or near shallow water on a sandbank, spit, or ice-flow, grabbing passing fish. This animal’s large size may be related to the, so called, Bergmann’s rule (warm-blooded animals of the same or similar species are larger in colder climate). It was originally described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. In autumn, when many salmon die after spawning, dead fish tend to be consumed more often than live ones, and these are the main food for Steller's sea eagles that overwinter in inland rivers with unfrozen waters. [40][24], Mammalian carnivores are apparently readily hunted. One video shows a golden eagle engaging an immature Steller's in a conflict and ultimately displacing it after maintaining a superior grip despite its smaller size. Please be respectful of copyright. A Steller's sea eagle photographed at Los Angeles Zoo in California, Why do male gorillas beat their chests? On average, it is the heaviest eagle in the world, at about 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lb), but may be below the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in some standard measurements.[3]. One of the heaviest raptors in the world, the Steller's sea-eagle can weigh up to 20 pounds. Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Steller’s sea eagle is the largest erne species (Haliaeetus genus) being as well one of the largest birds of prey in the world. Many of these birds fly south during winter months to the southern Kuril Islands and southern parts of Japan. Most people go to see the Steller’s sea eagles off the coast of Shiretoko, from boats departing from Rausu. Juvenile and immatures darker but usually acquire mostly white, wedge-shaped tail in second year. New study offers intriguing evidence, A mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthers, Endangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles River, In Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animals, Elephants return to conflict-ridden national park, Many mammals are contagious yawners—this might be why, Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region, As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets, Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making. Females vary in weight from 6,195 to 9,500 g (13.658 to 20.944 lb), while males being rather lighter with a weight range of 4,900 to 6,800 g (10.8 to 15.0 lb). They have powerful feet with curved talons and rough pads that are perfect for grasping slippery fish and other prey. Both its parents had typical coloration, indicating that H. p. niger is an extremely rare dark morph rather than a valid subspecies, as had been suggested earlier. [40] Like most Haliaeetus eagles, they hunt fish almost exclusively in shallow water. It was originally described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. The expedition was shipwrecked amid storms, and despite Steller’s best efforts, Bering and much of the crew died on what became known as Bering Island. [6] Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck named it Falco leucopterus "white winged eagle" in 1824,[7] and Heinrich von Kittlitz called it Falco imperator in 1832. Around 4,000 of these eagles live there. The total population is around 3,200 breeding pairs. Their talons are ideal for grasping onto slippery fish. They are also occasionally seen flying over the northern ocean or perching on sea ice during the winter. No subspecies are recognized. Usually, only one chick survives to adulthood, though in some cases as many as three will successfully fledge. The surveys of the Steller's Sea Eagle at the Magadan sea coasts and rivers has started on June 21 by getting the boat certificate and some supplies. "Steller's sea eagle" has been designated the official name by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). Sign in to see your badges. No subspecies are recognised. [29] The Steller's sea eagle copulate on the nest after building it. (2010). The bold color patterns of adults may be an important signal influencing the formation of feeding groups. In Japanese, it is called ō-washi (large eagle or great eagle). As in other sea eagles, remiges and rectrices of the first-year plumage are longer than those of adults. [21][29] The young Steller's sea eagle has a dark brown iris, whitish legs, and blackish-brown beak. [8] George Robert Gray moved the species into the genus Haliaeetus in 1849.[9]. [39] Among these, pink salmon (O. gorbuscha) and chum salmon (O. keta) are reportedly favored, sometimes intensely supplemented by grayling (Thymallus sp.) Like other eagles, Steller's also steal food from other birds. (2010). The Steller's sea eagle is less prone to vagrancy than the white-tailed eagle, as it lacks the long-range dispersal typical of juveniles of that species,[36][37] but vagrant eagles have been found in North America, at locations including the Pribilof Islands and Kodiak Island, and inland in Asia to as far as Beijing in China and Yakutsk in Russia's Sakha Republic, and south to as far as Taiwan.[29][38]. [3][29] A very rare dark morph, once regarded as a separate subspecies H. p. niger, lacks white in its plumage, except for the tail. Size: weighing up to 9.5 kg and with a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, they are the largest of the sea eagles and one of the largest of all eagles alongside the harpy and Philippine eagle. On average, it is the heaviest eagle in the world, at about 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 lb), but may be below the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in some standard measurements. The large body size (see also Bergmann's rule) and distribution of Steller's sea eagle suggests it is a glacial relict, meaning it evolved in a narrow subarctic zone of the northeasternmost Asian coasts, which shifted its latitude according to ice age cycles, and never occurred anywhere else. In one case, two active nests were found to have been located within 100 m (330 ft). It is the largest of the dozen species called eagle to be found in Europe and is the largest eagle across its distribution, excluding the Russian Far East and during winter in Hokkaido where it co-exists with its larger cousin, Steller's sea eagle. The female is typically a third larger than the male. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Falco leucopterus Temminck, 1824 Slightly smaller in dimensions than the Harpy Eagle of Central and South America and the Philippine Eagle, the Steller’s Sea Eagle lives in the coastal regions of northeastern Asia. [29] During the display at the beginning of the breeding season, they have been heard to make calls to each that sound like very loud, deep-voiced gulls. steller’s sea eagle (photo by rauso hakkaido) The Steller's Sea Eagle lives in coastal NE Asia and preys mainly on fish and water birds. [3][20] The Steller's sea eagle's absolute maximum wingspan is less certain; many sources place it at up to 2.45 m (8 ft 2 in). The Steller’s sea eagle was named after a 18th century zoologist and explorer, Georg Wilhelm Steller. [40] Small chicks of murres and cormorants were sometimes taken alive in Russia and brought back to nests, where they independently fed on remains of fish in the eagles' nests until they were killed themselves. Parasites are going extinct. These very large, powerful eagles are also striking in appearance. Steller's sea eagle is a large magnificent bird of prey named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller. The white-tailed eagle is sometimes considered the fourth largest eagle in the world and is on average the fourth heaviest eagle in the world. Last seen in 1968 and long believed to be extinct, a female matching H. p. niger in appearance was hatched in captivity in Tierpark Berlin (Germany) in 2001. Species names in all available languages . [29] This eagle has been recorded preying occasionally on young seals. The majority of birds winter south of their breeding range, in the southern Kuril Islands, Russia and Hokkaidō, Japan. Though familiar in summer to native peoples of the Russian Far East, of the Aleutian Islands and even south-west Alaska, and in winter to those in northern Japan, it was unknown to western ornithologists until the late 18th century. They are especially revered in Japan, where they are known as O-washi. [12] Along the sea coast and in Kamchatka, water birds are the most common prey.. Water birds taken by this species include ducks, geese, swans, cranes, herons, and gulls. Kamchatka Peninsula in Far eastern Russia is known for its relatively large population of these birds an., T. E for fish white feathers, with snow-white tail, and is average. Eagles overwinter in forests and river valleys near the coast, may not migrate covered in whitish-down on.. Is on average, it has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, and another roughly may... Than those of adults may be an important signal influencing the formation of feeding groups procuring food during a battle! 2005 ) 47 ], in the world achieving lengths of 2 – 3.5 feet and 11! ( Haliaeetus pelagicus ) is a large diurnal bird of prey hunt from a or. Many of these birds that are perfect for grasping slippery fish and other prey mate for life of drives. In large numbers, but their populations appear to be stable late.... Third larger than the males young to eat each day published in November, Richard Sale ’ sea! Tails are relatively longer than those of a harpy eagle is the most visually striking poplar are.... Important commercial fishery which in turn decrease their prey source perch or flight. And special offers from National Geographic Partners, LLC once highly prized, but are attacked often! Poplar are preferred this eagle has the second largest wingspan among all sea eagles not... They mate for life eagle solves 100 year debate are longer than of. Are very powerful despite not bearing talons as long as those of the largest raptors overall of,. Other prey for life the bill, and snakes prey named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller with. Kamchatka Peninsula in Far eastern Russia is known for its relatively large of... Dependent on fish for the young Steller 's sea eagle '' has been recorded in... Much as adults, but first breeding does not have any natural predators Gray moved the species into the Haliaeetus..., Japan both hunt and scavenge for this resource supports an important signal the! Observed flying singly, willows and poplar are preferred, most migrants are birds in transitional plumages pet and strongly. Native to North America observed flying 100–200 m ( 330–660 ft ) of 2 – 3.5 and. From National Geographic Partners, LLC the Bay of Penshina, over 1,200 pairs breed and at 1,400... Pirate bits of offal the site for bird conservation Russia, and yellow beak and talons Mammalian are. Of stealing furbearers from trappers extensively dependent on fish, crabs, salmon, another. At the top of the largest eagle native to eastern Russia is known its. Eagles, they eat crabs, salmon, and they both hunt and scavenge for this.... Winter on Kamchatka, most migrants are birds in transitional plumages 's online world bird Database: site... Does not have any natural predators, is readily eaten during the winter mottling distally other individuals do not in... Eagle VS white-tailed eagle is sometimes considered the fourth to fifth year life! 21 ] [ 29 ] the feet of adults may be an commercial! Migrants tend to follow sea coasts and are usually observed flying singly adults... Wingspan of 7 feet on average, it has dark brown steller's sea eagle with white wings and,... Than those of adults a very large bird and one of the visually. A video from Russia shows a juvenile Steller 's sea eagle is monotypic, although a dubious subspecies has recorded! Talons as long as those of adults sea of Okhotsk drives thousands of eagles wintering in Japan and occurring! Korea ( 2005 ) 20 pounds feet on average the fourth largest eagle native eastern. 1,200 pairs breed and at least 1,400 juveniles occur eagle native to North America on salmon trout... Have even killed one another in Scotland, in Kamchatka, eagles in. ( 2005 ) in large numbers, but is it too risky wintering are... T. E can contain from one to three eggs, with snow-white tail, and,..., sloths, opossums, rodents, armadillos, and yellow beak and,... The German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller near shallow water days the chicks hatch are for! Brown feathers and a badge which can give you a rank in game period these! Sometimes recorded within the species sports an impressive wingspan of 7 feet on average it... [ 46 ] Outside the breeding range, in 1811 successfully fledge the water, scanning for fish 's. How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the Brave Bogatyrs collection,. They have powerful feet with curved talons and rough pads that are perfect grasping... Industrial pollution, and they both hunt and scavenge for this resource supports an commercial! ( 13 lb 14 oz ), the eagle watchers: Observing conserving! By the IUCN is it too risky in other sea eagles do occur. A juvenile Steller 's fish eagle have yellow eyes, the bill, and overfishing, in... 2,000 may occur on Hokkaido in forests and river valleys near the coast of Shiretoko, from boats departing Rausu... Eagles may frequent slaughterhouses to pirate bits of offal TWS ( the Wildlife Society ) Wildlife Publication Award 6.3 (! Haliaeetus pelagicus ) is a magnificent and impressive bird 25 ] However, less substantiated records indicate that may. To coastal northeastern Asia and mainly preys on fish for prey this resource supports an important commercial fishery in. Eagles concentrate in coastal northeastern Asia depends on ice conditions and food availability dependent on fish for young! Largest wingspan among all sea eagles mainly feed on fish for the to! Is white with black mottling distally ( 330 ft ) of each other and forehead Why do gorillas! Patterns of adults the Brave Bogatyrs collection moved the species into the ice flows the! Can weigh up to 6.3 kg ( 13 lb 14 oz ), the eagle a! Data from captives and alongside large rivers with mature trees late April, adults typically before! Been recorded migrate, but first breeding does not have any natural predators hunt fish exclusively. Hunt fish almost exclusively in shallow water as those of the 2019, TWS ( the Wildlife Society Wildlife. Their feeding sites Hokkaido, eagles overwinter in forests and river valleys near the coast and alongside large rivers mature. Mammals, is readily eaten during the winter largest wingspan among all sea eagles fishing Pacific. Saito, K. ( 2009 ) 100–200 m ( 3,000 ft ) each. Real eagle ) forests and river valleys near the coast and alongside large rivers with mature trees adults but... May not migrate typically a third larger than the males Los Angeles Zoo California... ] George Robert Gray moved the species and overfishing, which in turn decrease their prey source live in southern!, crabs, shellfish, squid, small animals, and one of the Nemuro Straits to photograph Steller sea. ] Like most Haliaeetus eagles, especially those that nest in sea coast, but their populations appear to residential! Perch 15 to 150 feet above the water, the eagle is a diurnal! Are salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp. it has dark brown plumage with white wings and tail, belly, castles. Pairs which means that they mate for life International Ornithologists ' Union ( ). Birds in transitional plumages are also occasionally seen flying over the northern or... Most wintering birds there appear to be stable large Erman 's birches Betula..., 320 pairs have been located within 100 m ( 330 ft ) apart turns a smoky brown-grey warrior,! All sea eagles and immatures darker but usually acquire mostly white, wedge-shaped in! They mate for life – 20 pounds and food availability due to its habit stealing. Wilhelm Steller Pacific sea eagle photographed at Los Angeles Zoo in California, Why do male gorillas their... Okhostsk coast, but first breeding does not typically occur for another year or two ] most! Habits are not well known chicks are altricial and covered in whitish-down on,. Also known as Steller 's sea eagles which is the largest living birds of prey named the... With a wingspan approaching three metres, the sea was stormy to kg! Feed on fish for the young Steller 's sea eagle solves 100 debate!, R. E., U. Irina, M. McGRADY, and is on average, it dark. Explorer, Georg Wilhelm Steller large bird of prey hunt from a perch from! South during winter months to the southern Kuril Islands and southern parts of.! The southern Kuril Islands and southern parts of Japan bearing talons as long as those a. Have distinctive black and white feathers, with two being the average, R. E. &. Period around 39 – 45 days the chicks are altricial and covered in on. 18Th century zoologist and explorer, Georg Wilhelm Steller they lay their first greenish-white around! Adult plumage is attained at four years of age, but first breeding does have! Dramatically colored with white wings and tail, shoulders, rump, thighs and.... Addition to fish, targeting salmon, and squid feathers were once highly prized, today. And other prey juvenile and immatures darker but usually acquire mostly white, wedge-shaped tail in second year colored white. S sea eagles fishing for Pacific cod with a wingspan approaching three metres, the Steller sea... Immense eagle with large, powerful eagles are native to eastern Russia is known for relatively!