Majestic White-Tailed Eagles in Hokkaido: A Highlight of the JDS Photography Workshop

On the annual JDS Hokkaido photography workshop, participants are treated to one of the region’s most iconic raptors—the White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), also known as the White-tailed Sea Eagle, Gray Eagle, or Eurasian Sea Eagle. Endemic to Hokkaido, Japan, this eagle can be photographed year-round, making it a dream subject for wildlife and bird photographers alike.

Remarkably, the White-Tailed Eagle is known to surpass even the Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), and the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in sheer wingspan, which can reach between 170 and 260 cm (5 ft 5 in to 8 ft 5 in). Males and females look similar, though the females are generally larger—up to 30% heavier and 15% greater in length. Their massive, razor-sharp bill, ranging from vibrant orange to dull yellow, allows them to quickly tear apart prey, and their bold nature often sees them standing their ground even against the formidable Steller’s Sea Eagle during the winter season.  Adult White-Tailed Eagles are a striking grayish mid-brown overall, with slightly paler wing coverts and a softer, dawn-like hue on the head and breast. Depending on the light, their plumage can shift from vibrant and luminous to muted and mottled, providing photographers with endless opportunities to capture their changing beauty.

Our JDS Hokkaido photo workshop leader often witnesses unforgettable scenes of White-Tailed Eagles in the wild—whether huddling alongside Steller’s Sea Eagles on drifting pack ice during fierce winter winds, launching into the hunt for fish, or clashing mid-air in dramatic battles over prey. While these eagles may briefly share warmth in icy conditions, the moment a fish appears, the camaraderie ends, and the skies erupt in breathtaking displays of aggression and survival.  For visiting photographers, both local and international, few experiences rival the thrill of capturing these incredible birds of prey against the wild winter landscapes of Hokkaido. The White-Tailed Eagle remains not just a highlight of the region’s wildlife, but also one of the most awe-inspiring subjects for bird and nature photography in Japan.