Steller’s sea eagle is a truly impressive bird, known for its remarkable size and strength. According to the data, this bird has a wingspan that can exceed 2 meters (6.6 feet) and can weigh up to 9 kg (20 pounds). This makes it one of the largest and heaviest eagle species in the world.
Steller’s Sea Eagle Measurements
The Steller’s sea eagle is a truly massive bird, with the following key measurements:
| Measurement | Range |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet) |
| Weight | 5 to 9 kg (11 to 20 pounds) |
| Length | 86.5 to 104 cm (34 to 41 inches) |
| Bill Length | Up to 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) |
These impressive dimensions make the Steller’s sea eagle one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Its massive size and strength allow it to easily hunt and prey on large marine animals, such as fish, seals, and even small whales.
Comparison to Other Eagle Species
Image source: stellers sea eagle
When compared to other eagle species, the Steller’s sea eagle stands out as truly exceptional in terms of size and weight. For example, the bald eagle, which is one of the largest flying birds in the United States, has a wingspan of only 1.8 to 2.3 meters (5.9 to 7.5 feet) and a weight of 3.6 to 6.3 kg (8 to 14 pounds).
Similarly, the golden eagle, which is another large and powerful eagle species, has a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 meters (5.9 to 7.5 feet) and a weight of 3.0 to 6.3 kg (6.6 to 13.9 pounds).
In comparison, the Steller’s sea eagle’s massive size and weight make it a truly formidable predator, capable of taking down even the largest marine animals.
Habitat and Distribution
Steller’s sea eagles are found primarily in the coastal regions of northeastern Asia, including the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands, and the northern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. They are also found in parts of northern Japan and the Korean Peninsula.
These birds prefer to nest in tall trees or on cliffs near the coast, where they can easily access their primary food sources, such as fish, seals, and waterfowl. They are known to be highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nesting sites and hunting grounds from other predators.
Conservation Status and Threats
Despite their impressive size and strength, Steller’s sea eagles are considered a vulnerable species, with only around 4,000 individuals remaining in the wild. This is due to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, lead poisoning, climate change, and nestling predation by brown bears.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this magnificent bird and ensure its survival for future generations. These efforts include habitat preservation, reducing lead exposure, and monitoring and protecting nesting sites.
In conclusion, the Steller’s sea eagle is a truly remarkable bird, known for its impressive size, strength, and distinctive features. While it is a vulnerable species, conservation efforts are underway to protect this incredible bird and ensure its survival for the future.
References:
- Steller’s sea eagle. (2024-03-07). In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/Stellers-sea-eagle
- The largest eagle by weight is Steller’s sea-eagle at 14.75 pounds. (2023-07-10). In Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/NatureIsFuckingCute/comments/14w2y61/the_largest_eagle_by_weight_is_stellers_seaeagle/
- Steller’s Sea-eagle. (n.d.). In San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/stellers-sea-eagle
- Inside the Amazing Cross-Continent Saga of the Steller’s Sea-Eagle. (2022-01-10). In Audubon. https://www.audubon.org/news/inside-amazing-cross-continent-saga-stellers-sea-eagle
