White-Tailed Eagle
White-Tailed Eagle: Hokkaido’s Winter Ruler of the Skies
If you ever find yourself gazing up at the icy winter skies of Hokkaido, and you spot a bird so massive that you’re half-convinced it could block out the sun, there’s a good chance you’ve just witnessed the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in all its feathered glory. With a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 feet)—that’s wider than the average car—the white-tailed eagle is nothing short of a natural marvel, dominating the island’s skies and coasts during the coldest months of the year.
Often referred to as the “flying barn door” for its sheer size, this raptor is a powerful and majestic predator that has become synonymous with Hokkaido’s rugged winter landscapes. Whether it’s perched on a block of drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk or circling high above a frozen river, the white-tailed eagle is as much a symbol of Hokkaido’s wild beauty as its snow-covered mountains and icy shores.
Diet: A Bird with a Taste for Fish
At the top of its food chain, the white-tailed eagle is a consummate hunter, and its menu is as grand as its size. This formidable predator feeds primarily on fish, favoring species like salmon and trout, which it snatches from rivers and coastal waters with its massive talons. The eagle’s powerful eyesight allows it to spot prey from incredible distances, and once it locks on to its target, there’s little chance of escape.
But white-tailed eagles are also opportunistic feeders. If fish are scarce, they’ll hunt waterfowl, small mammals, and even scavenge for carrion. In winter, when food sources can be harder to come by, they’ll sometimes steal meals from other birds, like gulls or cormorants, in a bit of aerial piracy. While it may seem like a less-than-noble way to get a meal, it’s all part of the eagle’s adaptability—after all, survival is the name of the game, especially in the frosty wilds of Hokkaido.
In fact, it’s this diet of fish that draws white-tailed eagles to Hokkaido in the first place. The island’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters remain abundant with fish even in winter, making it a prime feeding ground for these birds during the colder months.
Habitat: Kings of the Coastal and Riverine Skies
White-tailed eagles are birds of wide, open spaces, and in Hokkaido, they’re most commonly found along the coasts and near large rivers and lakes. They favor areas where they can fish in peace, using tall cliffs, trees, or even chunks of drift ice as perches from which they survey their surroundings.
One of the most spectacular sights in nature is the white-tailed eagle perched on a floating block of ice in the Sea of Okhotsk, where these birds congregate in the winter months. As the cold winds blow in from Siberia, creating massive drifts of sea ice along Hokkaido’s northeastern coast, the eagles ride the ice like feathered monarchs, their yellow beaks and pale tail feathers standing out against the snowy landscape.
In addition to coastal areas, the white-tailed eagle can also be found along the island’s rivers, particularly those that remain unfrozen during winter. They use these waterways as hunting grounds, waiting for the perfect moment to swoop down and snatch a fish from just beneath the surface. Their sheer size and power make them one of the most dominant predators in these habitats.
Best Places to See Them: Shiretoko and Beyond
For those hoping to see a white-tailed eagle in the wild, Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world to do it—especially in winter. The Shiretoko Peninsula is an ideal spot, particularly around the town of Rausu, where eagles flock to take advantage of the rich fishing opportunities created by the drift ice.
Winter cruises from Rausu offer some of the best eagle-watching opportunities, taking visitors out onto the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. From the boat’s deck, you’ll likely see both white-tailed eagles and their even larger cousins, Steller’s sea eagles, circling overhead or swooping down to pluck fish from the water.
Another excellent place to see white-tailed eagles is the Nemuro Peninsula, where they often gather along the coastline in search of fish and carrion. This area is quieter than Shiretoko, but it offers equally spectacular views of these birds in their natural habitat, especially during the winter months when the eagles are at their most active.
The Battle in the Sky: White-Tailed Eagles and Steller’s Sea Eagles
If you’re eagle-watching in Hokkaido during winter, you’ll likely witness one of nature’s most impressive aerial rivalries: the white-tailed eagle vs. the Steller’s sea eagle. Both species gather in large numbers along the drift ice and rivers, and while they often fish in harmony, things can get tense when food is scarce.
Steller’s sea eagles, with their larger size and even more intimidating wingspan (up to 2.7 meters), tend to dominate the skies, but white-tailed eagles are no pushovers. These battles often play out in dramatic fashion, with both species vying for prime fishing spots or even trying to steal each other’s catch. Watching these enormous birds engage in mid-air maneuvers—whether in competition or cooperation—is one of the great joys of Hokkaido’s wildlife scene.
Winter Survival: Ice Kings with Feathers
Surviving Hokkaido’s bitter winters is no small feat, even for a bird as formidable as the white-tailed eagle. While they migrate south from Siberia and other northern regions to escape the worst of the cold, Hokkaido’s winter isn’t exactly a tropical getaway. But the island’s rich fish stocks and relatively milder (by Siberian standards) climate make it the perfect winter home for these raptors.
To survive the cold, white-tailed eagles rely on their thick plumage, which insulates them from the icy winds. Their large size also helps—bigger birds are better at conserving heat. They’re well-adapted to sitting for long periods on snow-covered perches, scanning the landscape for signs of food.
Unlike smaller birds, white-tailed eagles don’t need to eat every day, and they’re able to go for several days between meals if necessary. This ability to conserve energy allows them to wait out harsh weather without expending too much of their reserves. But when food becomes available—whether it’s a fish struggling beneath the ice or a scavenged carcass—they’re quick to take advantage.
Breeding and Raising Young: Aerial Architects
White-tailed eagles are monogamous, and once they find a mate, they typically stay together for life. Their courtship involves dramatic aerial displays, where the pair will lock talons in mid-flight and spiral downwards, a breathtaking spectacle that cements their bond.
When it comes to nesting, these eagles are master builders. Their nests—known as eyries—are enormous, built high in the treetops or on cliffs, and they add to them year after year. Some of these nests can be over 2 meters in diameter and weigh hundreds of kilograms.
The female lays one to three eggs in early spring, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. By summer, the young eagles are ready to fledge, though they often stay with their parents for several months, learning the skills they’ll need to survive on their own.
Conservation: Protecting the White-Tailed Eagle’s Future
Like many large birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle has faced its share of challenges over the years. Habitat loss, pollution, and illegal hunting have all contributed to declines in their population in various parts of the world. In Japan, conservation efforts have helped stabilize the population, particularly in Hokkaido, where protections are in place to safeguard their habitats.
One major concern has been the impact of lead poisoning, caused by the eagles scavenging animals that were shot with lead bullets. In response, conservationists have worked to promote the use of non-lead ammunition in areas where eagles are known to feed.
In Hokkaido, white-tailed eagles are still relatively common, thanks to the island’s protected natural areas and abundant food supply. But ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that these magnificent birds continue to thrive in the wild.
Cultural Significance: The Majestic Guardian of Winter
In many cultures, eagles are seen as symbols of strength, freedom, and power, and the white-tailed eagle is no exception. In Japan, this bird has become a symbol of the wild, untamed beauty of Hokkaido, where it reigns over the winter skies.
For nature lovers and birdwatchers, the sight of a white-tailed eagle soaring above a snow-covered landscape, its massive wings cutting through the cold air, is a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature. Whether perched on a chunk of drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk or circling high above a frozen river, the white-tailed eagle is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the natural world.
Final Thoughts: Witnessing the Majesty of the White-Tailed Eagle
The white-tailed eagle is more than just a bird—it’s a symbol of Hokkaido’s winter wilderness. To see one in the wild, whether gliding gracefully over a frozen lake or locked in a battle with a Steller’s sea eagle, is an unforgettable experience, a moment that stays with you long after the cold winds have blown you back indoors.
So if you find yourself in Hokkaido during the winter months, bundle up, grab a pair of binoculars, and head out to the coast or rivers. The white-tailed eagle, with its massive wings and piercing gaze, is waiting to remind you of the grandeur of the wild. Just don’t be surprised if you feel a little small by comparison—after all, in the skies of Hokkaido, the white-tailed eagle reigns supreme.