STELLER’S SEA EAGLE
DESCRIPTION
Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, known for its striking appearance and impressive wingspan. It is primarily found in coastal regions of northeastern Asia, particularly around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula.
FUN FACTS
- Steller’s Sea Eagle is the national bird of Russia | It has one of the largest wingspans of any eagle, reaching up to 2.5 meters | The species was named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight3-6.8 kg
Average Length1.5-2.5 m
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Steller’s Sea Eagle inhabits coastal areas, river estuaries, and islands, often near large bodies of water. It prefers habitats with abundant food sources and tall trees for nesting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Coastal
- Native Range
- The species is native to the coastal regions of northeastern Asia, including parts of Russia, Japan, and Korea.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Russia, Japan, Korea
- Diet
- This eagle primarily feeds on fish, particularly salmon, but it also preys on birds and small mammals. It is known to scavenge on carrion as well.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- fish, especially salmon
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
3-6.8 kg
Weight
1.5-2.5 m
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown body with a striking white tail and yellow beak
- Sexual Dimorphism
- females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
NT
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but localized, with some areas experiencing declines due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 5,000-10,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change affecting fish populations. Human disturbance during nesting season also poses risks.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation efforts are in place in Russia and Japan to protect nesting sites and monitor populations.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Steller’s Sea Eagles use their size and powerful beaks to defend their nests and territory.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon