Steller’s sea eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) are large, powerful birds of prey found in the Russian Far East and parts of Japan. While these majestic birds are known to feed on a variety of prey, including fish, water birds, and small mammals, there is no specific evidence that they regularly consume coyotes (Canis latrans).
Steller’s Sea Eagles’ Diet
Steller’s sea eagles are primarily piscivorous, meaning they feed mainly on fish. Their diet consists primarily of:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Other large fish species
In addition to fish, Steller’s sea eagles have been observed feeding on:
- Water birds (e.g., ducks, geese, gulls)
- Land birds (e.g., grouse, ptarmigan)
- Small to medium-sized mammals (e.g., sable, mink, foxes, small domestic dogs)
Coyotes and Steller’s Sea Eagles’ Range
Image source: stellers sea eagle
Coyotes are native to North America and are not typically found in the regions where Steller’s sea eagles reside. The geographic ranges of these two species do not typically overlap, making it unlikely for Steller’s sea eagles to regularly prey on coyotes.
Steller’s sea eagles are found in the following areas:
- Russian Far East
- Kamchatka Peninsula
- Commander Islands
- Kuril Islands
- Hokkaido, Japan
Coyotes, on the other hand, are found throughout North America, with their range extending from Alaska and Canada to Central America.
Hunting Behavior of Steller’s Sea Eagles
Steller’s sea eagles are known to be skilled hunters, using their powerful talons and sharp beaks to capture their prey. They typically hunt from a perch, such as a tree or rocky ledge, located 5-30 meters (16-98 feet) above the water. When they spot their prey, they dive down and snatch it from the water or the ground.
While Steller’s sea eagles have been observed feeding on various small to medium-sized mammals, there is no specific evidence that they actively hunt and consume coyotes. The size and strength of a coyote may make it a challenging prey for these large birds of prey.
Conclusion
In summary, while Steller’s sea eagles are known to have a diverse diet that includes a variety of fish, birds, and small mammals, there is no clear evidence that they regularly prey on coyotes. The geographic ranges of these two species do not typically overlap, and the size and strength of a coyote may make it a challenging target for these large birds of prey.
References:
– Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
– Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
