The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pa., has announced the arrival of its newest resident—a female Steller’s sea eagle. She is ten years old and came to the National Aviary from a European zoo as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® program.
She has spent several months behind the scenes, gradually getting to know her potential mate, Kodiak, also known as Kody. She and Kody now share a home in a public-facing habitat in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.
The habitat underwent a complete renovation in 2022. The naturalistic habitat features plenty of perching, a platform for nesting, a pond for bathing and playing, and other elements that encourage the natural behaviors of birds of prey.
“Steller’s sea eagles are magnificent birds, but their numbers in the wild are declining. AZA collaborative breeding programs ensure the entire Steller’s sea eagle population remains healthy and genetically diverse for the long-term future,” said Kurt Hundgen, senior director of animal care and conservation programs for the National Aviary. “We are seeing positive signs that they are content and comfortable together. We hope this pair will raise chicks to boost the Steller’s sea eagle population.”
Steller’s Sea Eagle Female Perched
Steller’s Sea Eagle Female Perched
Kody has lived at the National Aviary for 17 years. This charismatic bird made headlines in 2021 when he accidentally got out of his habitat. The Aviary’s team immediately launched an exhaustive recovery effort. The community was instrumental in helping bring Kody home and will now be included in naming his potential new mate.
Community members submitted name suggestions for the new female Steller’s sea eagle in late August and early September. The National Aviary’s animal care team will select the final four names, and the public will vote for their favorite by donating to the facility. The winning name will be announced in late September.
Designated as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Steller’s sea eagle is currently experiencing population declines in the wild. Fewer than 5,000 of these majestic birds remain in their natural habitat in Russia, Korea, Japan, and China. Dramatic population declines are driven by habitat loss, pollution, and decreasing food sources due to overfishing.
Female Steller’s sea eagles can weigh 20 lbs. and have a wingspan of up to eight feet. It is common for female raptors to be about a third larger than males. The species primarily breeds in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. These large eagles nest on rocky outcroppings or in forested coastal areas.
Photos Credit: Mike Faix, © National Aviary.