The most significant difference between male and female Steller’s Sea Eagles is their size. Females are larger than males, with adult females weighing between 15 to 20 pounds and having a wingspan of six to eight feet, while adult males weigh between 11 to 13 pounds.
Size Difference Between Male and Female Steller’s Sea Eagles
| Characteristic | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 11 to 13 pounds | 15 to 20 pounds |
| Wingspan | 6 to 8 feet | 6 to 8 feet |
In addition to the size difference, there are a few other ways to distinguish between male and female Steller’s Sea Eagles:
Behavioral Differences During Breeding Season
Image source: stellers sea eagle
During the breeding season, which lasts from February through August, both male and female Steller’s Sea Eagles secure their own breeding territories early in the season and engage in nest building, displaying, and incubating eggs. However, the female is typically the one who lays the eggs, with an average clutch size of two, and incubates them for 38 days.
Physical Appearance Similarities
In terms of physical appearance, both male and female Steller’s Sea Eagles have dark brown to black feathers on most of their body, with white feathers on their shoulders, legs, tail, and crown. They also have a large yellow beak and sharp yellow talons. This makes it challenging to visually distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.
Habitat and Distribution of Steller’s Sea Eagles
Steller’s Sea Eagles are native to eastern Russia, specifically the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula, and are frequent winter migrants to the Japanese Islands of Kuril and Hokkaido. They prefer sea coasts dotted with estuaries and river mouths and nest on large, rocky outcroppings or at the tops of large trees. They are solitary birds, except during the breeding season when they are often seen in breeding pairs.
Conservation Status of Steller’s Sea Eagles
Steller’s Sea Eagles are unfortunately threatened by habitat loss and river contamination, making conservation efforts essential for their survival. Understanding the differences between male and female Steller’s Sea Eagles can help in monitoring and protecting this impressive bird of prey.
References:
– Steller’s Sea Eagle – San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants
– Steller’s Sea Eagle – Oiseaux-Birds.com
– Steller’s Sea Eagle – Owlcation
– Steller’s Sea Eagle – Animal Diversity Web
– Steller’s Sea Eagle vs. White-tailed Sea Eagle – Carnivora.net
