❄️Please note that as the weather cools, some of our outdoor animals may not be viewable as they are provided access to climate-controlled, behind-the-scenes habitats.
Location at the Zoo
Eurasia
Region
Eurasia
Steller's sea eagle
Haliaeetus pelagicus
Often referred to as the world’s most impressive bird of prey, the Steller’s sea-eagle is renowned for its dark plumage and imposing size, being the largest of all sea-eagles and the heaviest eagle known. Despite its striking appearance, much about its behavior remains poorly understood.
Identifiable by its dark body contrasted with a white forehead, shoulders, tail, and thighs, as well as a bright-yellow bill, the Steller’s sea-eagle is believed to be a relic of the glacial ages, evolving along the narrow northeast Asian coast and remaining restricted to this area throughout multiple Ice Age cycles. Similarities in physical characteristics such as yellow legs, eyes, and beak with other northern sea-eagles suggest a shared evolutionary history and lend support to this hypothesis.
Did you know that the wingspan of the Steller’s sea eagle is twice the length of its body! They are also the heaviest species of eagle in the world!