Steller’s Sea Eagle

Scientific name: Haliaeetus Pelagicus

The Steller’s sea eagle was named after a 18th century zoologist and explorer, Georg Wilhelm Steller.

These birds have an enormous, strongly arched yellow bill and females are generally larger than the males. They have powerful feet with curved talons and rough pads that are perfect for grasping slippery fish and other prey. The younger birds have dark brown and lighter mottled feathers and orange beaks. Adult plumage and colouration is acquired after 4-5 years.

Steller’s sea eagles are monogamous which means they mate for life. Nests called ‘aeries’ are built high up on the trees. The nests are large, they can be well over 2 meters wide, and made from twig and branches. Each year, when the parents return to the nest, they add more to the nest for repair. This can cause the nest to become too heavy, resulting in it collapsing!

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