What generally characterizes the genus *Haliaeetus*, the sea eagles?
Strong association with aquatic environments
The genus *Haliaeetus*, which includes the White-Tailed Eagle, is defined by several overarching characteristics that place it within the broader Accipitridae family. The most distinguishing environmental feature linking members of this genus is their strong association with aquatic environments. Sea eagles are typically found near coasts, large rivers, or major lake systems, reflecting their reliance on aquatic resources for sustenance. Although they share characteristics with other birds of prey, such as large size, their ecological niche is heavily tied to water bodies, which influences their morphology, such as possessing strong talons suitable for catching fish, and their diet, which includes substantial amounts of carrion and fish.
