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Steller's Sea Eagle

The Steller's Sea Eagle (*Haliaeetus pelagicus*) is a large sea eagle native to northeastern Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large sea eagle native to northeastern Asia. It is known for its dark plumage, white shoulder patches, and very large yellow bill. The species is listed as Vulnerable and is associated mainly with coastal habitats and large rivers in Russia, Japan, Korea, and China.

Description

The Steller's Sea Eagle is a large raptor with dark body plumage, contrasting white shoulder patches and tail, and an unusually large yellow bill. Adults are among the heaviest eagles and have a very broad wingspan.

Distribution and habitat

The species breeds in far eastern Russia and is associated with coastal areas, rivers, and wetlands. Many birds migrate south in winter to Japan, with smaller numbers reaching Korea and China.

Diet and behaviour

Steller's Sea Eagles feed mainly on fish, especially salmon, but also take water birds, carrion, and other prey. They are strongly tied to aquatic food sources and coastal feeding grounds.

Conservation

The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Declines have been linked in sources to habitat degradation, overfishing, and pollution.

Key facts

  • The Steller's Sea Eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world and is often described as the heaviest eagle.
  • Its breeding range is centered in far eastern Russia, including areas around the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula.
  • It is a fish-eating specialist, with salmon forming a major part of its diet.
  • The species is generally dark with white shoulders, a white tail, and a large yellow bill.
  • Its IUCN conservation status is Vulnerable, and population trends are reported as decreasing.
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Canadian context

The species is not native to Canada, but it has been recorded as a rare vagrant in North America, including the Alaska region, which may interest Canadian readers in western and northern birding communities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Steller's Sea Eagle?
It is a large sea eagle species native to northeastern Asia, scientifically known as Haliaeetus pelagicus.
Where does the Steller's Sea Eagle live?
It breeds mainly in far eastern Russia and winters in parts of Japan, Korea, and China.
What does the Steller's Sea Eagle eat?
It mainly eats fish, especially salmon, but also takes water birds, carrion, and some mammals or other small animals.
Is the Steller's Sea Eagle endangered?
It is listed as Vulnerable, which means it faces a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild.
How big is the Steller's Sea Eagle?
It is one of the largest eagles, with a wingspan commonly reported at up to about 2.4 to 2.7 metres.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/stellers-eagle
    Supports: Scientific name, range in far eastern Russia, wingspan, weight, and Vulnerable status
  2. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/stellers-sea-eagle
    Supports: Largest sea-eagle, remote habitat, and general physical description
  3. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Haliaeetus_pelagicus/
    Supports: Range, migration, population decline, conservation status, and legal protection
  4. eBird — https://ebird.org/species/stseag
    Supports: Accepted species name and taxonomic identification