Never far from water, the Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) displays impressive fishing skills. Taking advantage of warm updrafts of air, the eagle glides above the water, looking out for fish. Its favorite prey, the salmon, has an extremely tough skin for which the eagle is equipped with a specialized hatchet-like beak. In addition to diving from above, the sea eagle will also stand in the water and grab fish as they swim by.If given the chance, Steller’s sea eagles will steal food from other birds.==Fact File==
- Length: 3.5 to 4 ft
- Weight: Male - 11 to 13 lbs, Female - 15 to 20 lbs
- Wingspan: 7.5 to 8 ft
- Habitat: Forests and rocky shores along the coast or near large rivers and lakes
- Diet: Primarily salmon, some carrion, mollusks, crabs, small mammals, and birds
- Risk Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Vulnerable )