VUVulnerablePartial review

Steller's Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus pelagicus

At a glance

IUCN category
VU · Vulnerable
Animal group
Birds
Population trend
Decreasing
Last verified

Conservation overview

Steller's sea eagle is one of the heaviest eagles in the world, a massive raptor with a huge orange bill. It is assessed as Vulnerable.

It feeds largely on fish, especially salmon, along northern coasts.

Range & habitat

Coasts of north-eastern Asia, especially the Russian Far East, wintering around Japan and Korea.

Major threats

Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.

  • Habitat alteration along rivers and coasts
  • Lead poisoning from carcasses
  • Overfishing of prey

Why it matters

A giant coastal eagle dependent on healthy rivers and fish runs, Steller's sea eagle is a flagship for conserving the coasts and salmon of north-east Asia.

Sources

Sources for Steller's Sea Eagle

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Steller's sea eagle?
It is among the heaviest eagles in the world, with a massive deep-orange bill and a broad wingspan, built for hauling large fish from cold northern waters.
Why is Steller's sea eagle Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite habitat alteration along rivers and coasts, lead poisoning from carcasses, and overfishing of its prey. See the IUCN Red List.

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