Steller’s sea eagles are large, majestic birds of prey that are known for their impressive hunting skills and voracious appetites. These magnificent raptors are primarily piscivorous, meaning they feed primarily on fish, with a particular preference for salmon and trout. However, their diet is not limited to just fish, as they also opportunistically hunt and consume a variety of other prey, including water birds, land birds, small mammals, and even carrion.

Frequency of Feeding

Steller’s sea eagles are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and hunt primarily during the early morning and late afternoon hours. These eagles are known to be quite efficient and successful hunters, and they can consume a significant amount of food in a single feeding session.

On average, Steller’s sea eagles are estimated to consume around 500-800 grams (1.1-1.8 pounds) of food per day. This can vary depending on the availability of prey, the age and size of the individual eagle, and other factors. Younger eagles, for example, may need to consume more food to support their growth and development.

During the breeding season, when the eagles are caring for their young, the frequency of feeding may increase as the parents work to provide enough sustenance for their eaglets. The female eagle, in particular, may need to consume more food to maintain her energy levels and support the incubation and brooding of the eggs.

Hunting Strategies

Image source: stellers sea eagle

Steller’s sea eagles are skilled and versatile hunters, employing a variety of techniques to capture their prey. They are known to hunt from perches, such as trees or rocky ledges, where they can scan the water for potential targets. When they spot a suitable prey, they will swoop down and snatch it from the water with their powerful talons.

These eagles also have the ability to hunt on the wing, circling above the water and diving down to catch fish or other prey. They are particularly adept at hunting salmon and trout, which they often target during the spawning runs when these fish are more vulnerable.

In addition to their own hunting efforts, Steller’s sea eagles are also known to steal food from other birds, such as gulls or other raptors. This behavior, known as kleptoparasitism, allows the eagles to supplement their diet without expending as much energy on the hunt.

Seasonal Variations in Diet

The diet of Steller’s sea eagles can vary somewhat throughout the year, depending on the availability of different prey species. During the breeding season, when the eagles are caring for their young, they may focus more on hunting fish, as this provides a reliable and nutrient-rich source of food.

In the non-breeding season, the eagles may diversify their diet to include more land-based prey, such as small mammals or birds. They may also scavenge more on carrion, particularly in areas where their primary prey species are less abundant.

Conservation Concerns

Despite their impressive hunting abilities, Steller’s sea eagles face a number of threats to their survival. Habitat loss, industrial pollution, and overfishing of their prey species can all have a negative impact on these birds. In some areas, they have also been exposed to the risk of lead poisoning through the ingestion of lead shot from hunting activities.

As a result, the Steller’s sea eagle is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with a total population estimated to be between 4,600 and 5,100 individuals. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds and ensure their continued survival in the wild.

References:
– Steller’s Sea Eagle – Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio (https://animalia.bio/stellers-sea-eagle)
– White-tailed Eagle – Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation (https://www.roydennis.org/animals/raptors/sea-eagle/)
– Steller’s Sea Eagle | Weird n’ Wild Creatures Wiki – Fandom (https://weirdnwildcreatures.fandom.com/wiki/Steller%27s_Sea_Eagle)