Steller’s Sea Eagle is known to be the heaviest eagle species in the world, with males weighing between 4.9 to 6.8 kg (11 to 15 lb) and females weighing between 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lb). The average weight of a Steller’s Sea Eagle is reported to be around 7.75 kg (17.1 lb) for males and 6.25 kg (13.8 lb) for females, although this can vary depending on the season and the individual’s overall health.
The Impressive Size of Steller’s Sea Eagles
In terms of size, Steller’s Sea Eagles have a total length ranging from 85 to 105 cm (2 ft 9 in to 3 ft 5 in), with males averaging about 89 cm (2 ft 11 in) and females averaging about 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). Their wingspan is also impressive, ranging from 1.95 to 2.50 m (6 ft 5 in to 8 ft 2 in), with a median wingspan of 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) per Ferguson-Lees (2001) or 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) per Saito (2009). Some unverified records claim that Steller’s Sea Eagles can have wingspans up to 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in), which would make them the largest eagle species in terms of wingspan.
Unique Physical Characteristics of Steller’s Sea Eagles
Image source: stellers sea eagle
Steller’s Sea Eagles have a unique physical characteristic in that they have a yellow beak even in juvenile birds, unlike other sea eagle species. They also possess 14 rectrices, compared to the 12 rectrices found in other sea eagle species.
Factors Affecting Steller’s Sea Eagle Weight
The weight of Steller’s Sea Eagles can vary depending on several factors, including:
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Season: The weight of Steller’s Sea Eagles can fluctuate throughout the year, with individuals typically being heavier during the breeding season and leaner during the non-breeding season.
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Individual Health: The overall health and condition of a Steller’s Sea Eagle can significantly impact its weight. Well-nourished and healthy individuals tend to be heavier than those that are sick or malnourished.
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Age and Sex: As mentioned earlier, male Steller’s Sea Eagles tend to be heavier than females, with the maximum recorded weight for a male being 9.5 kg (20.9 lb).
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Habitat and Diet: The availability and quality of food sources in the Steller’s Sea Eagle’s habitat can also influence its weight. Eagles that have access to abundant and nutrient-rich prey tend to be heavier than those that live in areas with scarce or less nutritious food sources.
Comparison to Other Eagle Species
While Steller’s Sea Eagles are the heaviest eagle species, they are not the largest in terms of overall size. The Harpy Eagle, for example, has a longer total length and a larger wingspan, but it typically weighs less than Steller’s Sea Eagles.
| Eagle Species | Average Male Weight | Average Female Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Steller’s Sea Eagle | 7.75 kg (17.1 lb) | 6.25 kg (13.8 lb) |
| Harpy Eagle | 6.0 kg (13.2 lb) | 8.0 kg (17.6 lb) |
| Wedge-tailed Eagle | 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) | 5.4 kg (11.9 lb) |
| Golden Eagle | 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) | 3.7 kg (8.2 lb) |
Conclusion
Steller’s Sea Eagles are truly remarkable birds, with their impressive size, weight, and unique physical characteristics. As the heaviest eagle species in the world, these majestic birds continue to captivate and inspire birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
