Good evening, everyone! Have you heard of the Steller’s sea eagle, a commanding presence that rules the skies? As its name implies, it’s the largest eagle in Japan, and its majestic form truly befits the title of “King of the Skies.” Today, let’s talk about this awe-inspiring bird.
The Steller’s sea eagle has a body length of about 88 cm in males and 102 cm in females, with the females being slightly larger. When its wings are spread, it spans an impressive 2 to 2.5 meters! Its body is covered in black or dark brown feathers, with distinctive white markings. Particularly captivating are the white streaks from the top of its head to its neck, and its white tail feathers.
The Steller’s sea eagle inhabits areas such as Eastern Russia, Hokkaido, and the northern part of Honshu. In the summer, they breed in Eastern Russia and migrate south in the winter to overwinter. They are often found near water bodies like coasts, rivers, and lakes. Their diet is carnivorous, primarily feeding on fish, but they also eat birds, small to medium-sized mammals, and even carrion.
Another charm of the Steller’s sea eagle is its breeding behavior. Especially noteworthy is its “courtship flight,” where two eagles fly closely together in a beautiful display. They chase each other on rising air currents and draw circles in the sky, almost like a dance. During this period, you might see the female perform acrobatic flights, turning upside down, a dynamic sight that truly reveals the mysteries of nature!
Lastly, let’s touch upon the growth process of the Steller’s sea eagle. Young eagles are characterized by their brown feathers, and it takes about six years for them to mature. This long growth period might be the secret to their size and strength.
The next time you look up at the sky, you might catch a glimpse of their grandeur. As part of nature, let’s think about what we can do to ensure these creatures continue to fly freely in the skies. See you next time!
