Steller’s sea eagles are the largest species of sea eagle, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 ft 2 in) and a body weight that can go up to 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) for females. Their claws, also known as talons, are a critical feature of their anatomy, enabling them to carry off prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb).

The Size of a Steller’s Sea Eagle’s Claw

While the exact size of a Steller’s sea eagle’s claw is not explicitly stated, we can infer some information based on their overall size and weight. Steller’s sea eagles have distinctive bright yellow feet with powerful black talons. These talons are strong enough to carry off prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb), which is even greater than their own body weight in the case of an adult male.

Comparison to Other Large Birds of Prey

Image source: stellers sea eagle

To put the size of a Steller’s sea eagle’s claw into perspective, it’s worth comparing it to other large birds of prey. For instance, the bald eagle, another large bird of prey, has a maximum recorded mass of 6.3 kg (13.9 lb) and a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet). However, specific data on the size of a bald eagle’s claw is not readily available for comparison.

Steller’s Sea Eagle’s Impressive Size

In terms of overall size, Steller’s sea eagles are surpassed only by the Harpy eagle and the Philippine eagle in terms of length, with a maximum recorded length of between 95 and 99 cm (37.4 and 39 in). However, Steller’s sea eagles have the largest skull and culmen of any Old World vulture, indicating the size of their head and beak.

Steller’s Sea Eagle’s Powerful Talons

Steller’s sea eagles have short, thick toes, which are smaller than those of land eagles. However, the underside of their feet are covered in thick ridged spicules, which make them extremely effective in firmly gripping onto any prey plucked from the water. This, combined with their impressive size and weight, allows Steller’s sea eagles to carry off prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb).

Conclusion

While specific data on the size of a Steller’s sea eagle’s claw is not available, we can infer that it is a powerful tool that enables the bird to carry off prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb). Their claws, along with their impressive wingspan and body weight, make Steller’s sea eagles one of the largest and most formidable birds of prey in the world.

References:
– Britannica – Steller’s Sea Eagle
– BirdFact – Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Carnivora – Steller’s Sea Eagle vs. White-Tailed Sea Eagle