How Big Are Steller’s Sea Eagles? (Wingspan + Size)

Spectacular soaring over the coastlines of Russia and Northeast Asia, the Steller’s Sea Eagle (Pelagic catfish) is one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with a massive wingspan of between 1.95 and 2.50 meters (6 ft 5 in and 8 ft 2 in).

But just how big are Steller’s Sea Eagles, and how do they compare to other birds of prey? If you’re interested in learning more about these giants of the Pacific sky, read on.

The Steller’s Eagle is often called the heaviest eagle in the world, although some sources claim that the Harpy Eagle is heavier. With a maximum recorded mass of 9.5 kg (20.9 lb) and a wingspan of up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in), the Steller’s sea eagle is undoubtedly one of the largest sea eagles in existence today.

Native to coastal environments, the Steller’s Sea Eagle feeds primarily on fish supplemented by carrion of aquatic animals and seabirds, and they hunt regularly to ensure their enormous energy demands.

Their large paddle-like wings allow them to soar above water with relative ease, scanning the ocean below for prey.

To learn more about the vital statistics of these giant yellow-billed raptors, read on as we explore just how big Steller sea eagles can grow and how they use their size to their advantage.

The Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in the world

Steller Sea Eagle Wingspan

Steller sea eagles typically have a wingspan in the range of 1.95 to 2.50 meters (6 ft 5 in to 8 ft 2 in).

There are no verified records to support some huge wingspan measurements at the upper end of the range, with claimed wingspans of 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in), 2.74 m (9 ft 0 in), and 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in) at Some anecdotal reports.

Female Steller sea eagles are larger in wingspan, mass and length than males, the range of measurements is given below, the greater limits of this range will be noted in females of this species.

• Average wingspan: 2.13 m to 2.2 m (7 ft to 7 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan range: 1.95 m to 2.50 m (6 ft 5 in to 8 ft 2 in)

Steller’s Sea Eagles have a wingspan of over 2.5m

Steller sea eagle weight

Female Steller sea eagles are much heavier than males, with recorded weights exceeding 9 kg. According to the data, women weigh 79% more than men.

• Steller sea eagle mass range (male): 4.9 kg to 6 kg (10.8 lb to 13.2 lb)
• Steller sea eagle mass range (female): 6.8 kg to 9.5 kg (15 lb to 20.9 lb)

Female Steller sea eagles can weigh up to 9.5 kg

How big are Steller sea eagles compared to humans?

The wingspan of a Steller’s sea eagle exceeds the height of even the tallest humans, in some cases exceeding 2.45 meters (8 feet).

From the tip of the tail to the top of the head, the largest Steller’s sea eagles are less than 1 meter (39 inches), which is more than half the height of the average adult male.

How big was the largest Steller’s sea eagle ever built?

While there is no concrete evidence that a Steller’s sea eagle of this size was a specific individual, it is rumored to have a wingspan of 2.8 meters (9 ft 2 in).

Overwintering Steller’s sea eagle photographed in Japan

How big of an animal can the Steller’s Sea Eagle catch?

The strength and strong grip of the Steller’s sea eagle’s claws, combined with the sheer size of its body and wings, allow it to carry prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb), more than any adult male of the species.

Fish, especially Pacific salmon, are the main diet of Steller sea eagles, although they also hunt and successfully capture larger prey such as baby seals, arctic foxes and sables.

Why Are Steller Seahawks So Big?

Steller sea eagles’ huge wingspan can easily glide through the water for hours, maximizing their chances of spotting prey in the ocean and river valleys below.

The powerful grip of their massive claws and the strength of their massive weight allow them to catch heavy prey, including large fish, arctic foxes, seal pups, and hares.

Steller sea eagle fishing

Steller sea eagle compared to other birds

Although the Guinness Book of World Records states that the Steller’s Eagle is the largest eagle, this status is sometimes challenged by the Harpy and Philippine Eagles, depending on what the ranking criteria are and whether average measurements for a species are used or Maximum measured value.

Steller sea eagles typically weigh about 500 grams (1.1 lb) more than harpy eagles, with the heaviest female harpy eagle weighing 9 kg (19.8 lb). The Steller’s sea eagle was also heavier than other challengers, including the Philippine sea eagle (8 kg/17.6 lb) and the white-tailed sea eagle (6.9 kg/15.2 lb).

In terms of wingspan, the Steller’s Sea Eagle also has the advantage, with the White-tailed Sea Eagle (2.44 m/96 inches), the Harpy Sea Eagle (2.24 m/88.1 inches) and the Philippine Eagle (2.02 m/79.5 inches). However, there do exist unsubstantiated claims that birds from these species have larger wingspan measurements.

When it came to determining the world’s longest eagle, records showed that the harpy eagle topped the list at 107 cm (42.1 inches), ahead of the Philippine eagle at 100 cm (39.4 inches) and the Steller’s sea eagle, the latter with the longest recorded length Between 95 and 99 cm (37.4 and 39 inches).

A Steller Sea Eagle in flight shows off its impressive wingspan

common problem

How big are the claws and claws of a Steller’s sea eagle?

Steller sea eagles have distinctive bright yellow feet and powerful black talons. They are strong enough to carry away prey weighing up to 7 kg (15 lb). The toes of the tiger head sea eagle are short and thick, and they are smaller than the land sea eagle.

However, the soles of their feet are covered with thick, ridged spicules, which allow them to be very effective at holding fast to any prey they catch out of the water.

What is the wingspan of Steller’s Sea Eagles in feet?

Steller sea eagles typically have a wingspan in the range of 6 feet 5 inches to 8 feet 2 inches. The median wingspan for this species is between 7 feet and 7 feet 3 inches.