Immature White-Tailed vs Steller's Eagle
Hi,
Does anyone know of a reliable resource, preferably with pictures, to distinguish immature White-Tailed from immature Steller's Eagle? Looking at the pictures on the web it seems that ID is all over the place and I suspect that at least some are wrong.
I have dozens of pictures from a recent Hokkaido trip which I'd like to ID correctly before posting.
Thanks, JR
Hi JR- I don't have a source right now but will consult the Handbook of the Birds of the World at work tomorrow.
In the meantime, I will say I've never seen the Steller's but have seen the White-tailed in Norway, Greenland and UK. It strikes me that the White-tailed face is quite like our Bald Eagle (as shown in your beautiful image of the former in Avian), but the Steller's has a much more massive bill and overall chunky look that should come across in the immatures.
I'll get back if I find anything else out.
John, that would be much appreciated. Thanks, JROriginally Posted by John Chardine
Perhaps it helps if I post an image.
Any help re the correct ID (and why) is much appreciated.
Thanks, Joerg
JR- I didn't make it to the office today so couldn't consult the books.
I'll stick my neck out here and say White-tailed because of the look of the face- not strong I know. I reserve the right to change my mind!
Thanks John. And no worries. Your hunch is better than any of mine. JR
JR- Just checked a manual in the office here (Handbook of the Birds of the World), and they mention two differences in the immature birds:
1. Steller's has a heavier bill
2. Steller's has a more wedge-shaped tail
If you do search in BPN, there are a few nice examples of Stellers'.
Do you have a possible Steller's to post?
John, thanks so much for continuing to look into it. I just posted an Adult Steller's but I suspect you're asking for an Immature. I'll post one tomorrow in Avian where I am pretty sure that it is an Immature Steller's as it shows the start of the "white shoulders". JR
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