Because of these threats, a relatively restricted range, and small population numbers, Steller's sea-eagles are listed as globally vulnerable. This species is also occasionally seen in North America, China, and North and South Korea. A dark morph plumage variation lacks the white shoulders but shares other traits with the more classically colored birds. Among these, pink salmon and chum salmon are reportedly favored, sometimes intensely supplemented by grayling and three-spined stickleback. The current population is estimated at 5,000 and decreasing. 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. 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). These large raptors are not backyard birds, but they will readily visit areas where prey is abundant, particularly salmon and trout. Three types of hunting behaviors have been observed, hunting from a perch, hunting on the wing while circling 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet) above the water, and hunting in shallow water. The mature Steller’s sea eagle is dark brown to black over the majority of its body, with strongly contrasting white on the lesser and median upper-wing coverts, underwing coverts, thighs, under-tail coverts and tail. Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large and beautiful bird of prey. However, many threats to their survival persist. The Stellers sea-eagle is often easy to spot, with its dark body; white forehead, shoulders, tail, and thighs; and bright-yellow bill. Steller's sea-eagles are generally solitary and require large territories to support their hunting habits. They are generally found at elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 100 meters (328 feet). Steller's Sea Eagle These very large, powerful eagles are also striking in appearance. Displaying begins in March and consists of soaring high above the breeding area while calling. What is a Group of Eagles Called? Juvenile birds do not achieve their full adult plumage until they are four years old. Both males and females secure their own breeding territories early in the season and nest building occurs in February or March. Larger females weigh 20 pounds (9.07 kg) or more. These eagles are exceptionally vocal for raptors and have a throaty, raspy bark-like call that sounds much like typical gull calls. They may even stand in shallow water and snatch fish with their bills, and they often steal from other eagles or ospreys. Like all raptors, they clamp onto prey with talons as sharp as switchblades and cannot let go until the prey is dead. They prefer rocky coastal habitats and are also found inland along large rivers with craggy edges and mature trees. Though they are listed as a National Treasure in Japan and are protected under a variety of laws in different countries, strict conservation measures are essential to ensure their survival. These are monogamous birds that form pair bonds after soaring courtship flights. Typically, a pair will maintain two to four nests in one breeding territory and use alternate nests from year to year. BIOMETRICS: Length : 85-94 cm Wingspan : 220-250 cm Weight : M : 5-6 kg – F : 7-9 kg. Nests are most often built on rocky cliffs or in large trees out of thick branches and can reach a size of 2 meters (6.5 feet) across and 2 to 4 meters (6.5 to 13 feet) thick. Eggs and hatchlings are commonly preyed on by arboreal mammals that gain access to nests, such as martens, and by crows. There are no known predators of adult Steller’s sea eagles. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. This is a massive, heavy raptor, and its massive, heavy bill is strongly hooked and bright yellow. All eagle species are part of the Accipitridae bird family, along with hawks, kites, harriers, goshawks, and buzzards. The head is black-brown with white frosting on the crown and nape and a small white patch on the forehead. Preserving habitat is essential for attracting these raptors, as well as protecting proven nesting areas. Younger birds also have smaller, paler bills. Females vary in weight from 6,2 to 9,5 kg (13.5 to 21 lb), while males being rather lighter with a weight range of 4,9 to 6,8 kg … Great relatives of the Steller's sea-eagle include: Don't miss any of our other wild bird fact sheets and profiles to learn about other popular raptors and different bird species! Melissa Mayntz has been a birder and wild bird enthusiast for 30+ years. Both adults work together to build a huge, bulky nest of branches and twigs, and the same nest may be reused for many years. Chicks leave nests by August or September. 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. In flight, this eagle's wings show prominent primary feather fingers. The body is black-brown with a prominent white patch on the shoulders. These eagles lives in coastal northeastern Asia. Steller’s sea eagle is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Interesting facts about cottonmouth snakes (water moccasins), Interesting facts about the Mojave Desert. This fact sheet can help! Their favored prey in river habitats are salmon and trout. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. One of the heaviest raptors in the world, the Steller's sea-eagle can weigh up to 20 pounds. Eaglets are covered in white down, but as they mature, juvenile birds develop darker, more uniform brown-black plumage. Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) average weight: 6.35 kg (14 lb) maximum weight: 8 kg (18 lb) 3. Steller’s sea eagles are monogamous, they are often seen in breeding pairs throughout the breeding season, usually lasting from February through August. They are legally protected, being classified as a National Treasure in Japan and mostly occurring in protected areas in Russia. Genders are similar though females are notably larger with heavier bills than males. During the summer breeding season, these raptors spread out slightly further north along the Pacific coast. It is believed that they are glacial relics that evolved in the … A group of eagles is called a ‘convocation’. They are diurnal and hunt during the day, either diving from a perch to snatch prey with their powerful talons, or else soaring to find their next meal. In some areas, they are persecuted by fur trappers because the eagles may occasionally raid traps. Steller’s sea eagles breed only in eastern Russia, around the Sea of Okhotsk and on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Vagrant sightings are rare because these raptors do not move great distances, but they are occasionally recorded as far east as Alaska and as far south as Taiwan. They are dark but dramatically colored with white tail, shoulders, rump, thighs and forehead. Steller's sea eagle is the largest bird in the genus Haliaeetus and is one of the largest raptorsoverall. Steller’s sea eagles are not extensively known for their voices, but are known to make a deep barking cry, ra-ra-ra-raurau, in aggressive interactions. Steller's sea-eagle eggs are pale greenish-white. This fact sheet can help! Visiting popular fishing areas within the eagles' range is another way to see Steller's sea-eagles. It is a powerful eagle with black and white plumage and huge beak. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest during the night. Steller’s Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus. In Japanese, it is called ō-washi (large eagle or great eagle). A small number of birds remain in Kamchatka over the winter but the majority fly south to the Kuril Islands, Russia and Hokkaidō, Japan. Steller's Sea Eagle, 250 cm (98.4 inches) Steller’s sea eagle is one of the largest birds of prey found …