Steller's Sea Eagles
Birds of Prey
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The Steller's Sea Eagle, (Haliaeetus pelagicus) is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers. This is, on average, the heaviest eagle in the world, as it averages about 6.8 kg (15 lb), but may lag behind the Harpy Eagle and the Philippine Eagle in other measurements.
This bird breeds on the Kamchatka peninsula, the coastal area around the Sea of Okhotsk, the lower reaches of the Amur river and on northern Sakhalin and Shantar, Russia. The majority of birds winter further south, in the southern Kuril islands and Hokkaido, Japan.
Build
Stellers' Sea Eagle is the biggest bird in the Genus Haliaeetus and is one of the largest raptors overall. The typical size range is 86.5-105 cm (34-41 inches) long and the wingspan is 203-241 cm (6.8-8 feet). On average, females weigh from 6.8 to 9 kg (15 to 20 lb), while males are considerably lighter with a weight range from 4.9 to 6 kg (10.8 to 13.2 lb). An unverified record exists of a huge female, gullet full with salmon, having weighed 12.7 kg (28 lb).
This species is classified as Vulnerable. The main threats to its survival are habitat alteration, industrial pollution and over-fishing. The current population is estimated at 5,000 and decreasing.
Food
This species mainly feeds on fish, especially salmon and trout. Besides this, it also preys on water dwelling birds, mammals and dead animals. This eagle may prey on young seals, but seals are generally more likely to be eaten as dead animals.
Reproduction
This eagle builds several aeries (height x width 150 cm ; ø 250 cm) high up on trees and rock. It is possible that the eagles change occasionally between these nests. After courtship, which usually occurs between February and March, the animals lay their first white-green eggs around April to May. Usually only one chick survives. After an incubation period of around 39 - 45 days the chicks hatch, having ash grey to white down. As young birds the down changes to brown feathers. At an age of around ten weeks, the young birds learn to fly, while they reach sexual maturity at around four to five years. Only at the age from eight to ten years a Steller's Sea Eagle is wearing full adult plumage.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org
Relevant Web Resources: . Steller's Sea Eagle - The Hawk Conservancy
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