The Steller’s Sea-Eagle(Haliaeetus pelagicus), also known as Pacific Sea-Eagle or White-Shouldered Eagle is a bird of prey classified in the avian order Accipitriformes and family Accipitridae.
Physical Characteristics
An adult Steller’s Sea-Eagle’s plumage is mostly blackish-brown, however the “shoulders” are white. The edges of the wings and thighs are white as well. There is a white patch on the forehead, and the eyering, cere, and legs are orange-yellow. The iris is yellow. The average measurements of a Steller’s Sea-Eagle are: 95 centimeters long(3’1”), 6.8 kilograms(15 pounds) in weight, and a wingspan of 2.3 meters(7’7”) on average.
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. pelagicus |
| Binomial Name | Haliaeetus pelagicus |
| Length | 85 cm – 1.1 m(2’10”-3’7”) |
| Weight | 4.9-9.5 kg(11-21 lbs.) |
| Wingspan | 1.9-2.5 m(6’3”-8’2”) |
| IUCN Status | Vulnerable |
Range And Habitat
The Steller’s Sea-Eagle is resident in Russia; however individuals can also be seen in China, Japan, and Korea. There have been reports of sightings in the U.S.(Alaska, Maine, Massachuesetts, and Texas) and Canada(Newfoundland and Nova Scotia). Steller’s Sea-Eagles inhabit rocky seacoast and riverine areas.
Breeding
The Steller’s Sea-Eagle nests in a stick nest which is located in a tree, or on a cliff. The nest is usually 30 meters(98’5”) above the ground. The clutch size is 1-3 eggs which are incubated for 38-45 days. Hatchlings have white down.
Diet
Steller’s Sea-Eagles eat fish, particularly salmon; they also eat crabs, shellfish, squid, mammals, birds, and carrion.
Fun Facts
- The Steller’s Sea-Sagle was named for 18th-century zoologist and explorer, Georg Wilhelm Steller.
- The Steller’s Sea-Eagle can live for up to 20 years.
