Eagles are present in North Carolina, offering a chance to witness these impressive birds. Observing these raptors in their natural environment can be a memorable experience.
Eagle Species in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to two primary eagle species: the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The Bald Eagle is the more commonly observed resident species, recognized by its distinctive white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Its recovery in North Carolina represents a conservation success story, as populations were once severely depleted. The state’s first documented post-DDT wild Bald Eagle nest was recorded in 1984, marking a turning point in their resurgence.
The Golden Eagle is a less common visitor to North Carolina, primarily seen during migration and in winter. They are dark brown with a golden wash on the back of their head and neck. Unlike Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles prefer more remote, mountainous habitats and open country for hunting. Recent research indicates the Southern Appalachians serve as an important wintering ground for these birds, suggesting they are more than rare transients.
Where Eagles Reside in North Carolina
Eagles in North Carolina typically establish their territories near large bodies of water, which provide abundant food sources. Bald Eagles are frequently found near lakes, major rivers, and coastal areas such as sounds and bays. These environments offer ample fish, their main prey, and tall trees for nesting and perching.
Specific locations for eagle sightings include large freshwater reservoirs like Jordan Lake and Falls Lake in the Piedmont region. Jordan Lake has one of the highest concentrations of Bald Eagles in North Carolina, with numerous active nests reported. Along the coast, areas like Lake Mattamuskeet, the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge are excellent places to observe these birds. Golden Eagles, being more reclusive, are primarily found in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, including areas around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where they prefer remote cliffs and open country.
Conservation and Protection Efforts
The Bald Eagle population in North Carolina faced a severe decline in the mid-20th century, largely due to the pesticide DDT and habitat loss. DDT accumulated in the food chain, causing eagles to lay eggs with thin shells that broke during incubation, leading to reproductive failure. The ban of DDT in the United States in 1972 was a key step in their recovery.
North Carolina implemented a “hacking” program in 1982, which involved raising young eagles in captivity and reintroducing them into the wild. This program, coupled with population increases from neighboring states, contributed to the species’ rebound. Today, both Bald and Golden Eagles are safeguarded by federal laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. These acts prohibit the unauthorized taking, possession, sale, or disturbance of eagles, their parts, nests, or eggs, ensuring continued protection. By 2020, North Carolina’s Bald Eagle population had grown to approximately 400 individuals, with 192 breeding pairs reported in 2024.
Observing Eagles Responsibly
Observing eagles in North Carolina requires responsible practices to avoid disturbing these protected birds. Adult Bald Eagles are identifiable by their bright white head and tail, dark brown body, and yellow beak and feet. Juvenile Bald Eagles are mostly dark brown with varying amounts of white mottling on their bodies and wings. Their beaks are dark, gradually turning yellow as they mature, which typically takes about five years.
To minimize disturbance, maintain a distance of at least a quarter-mile (approximately 400 meters) from eagles, especially near nests. Using binoculars or a spotting scope allows close observation without intrusion. Avoiding loud noises, sudden movements, and never attempting to feed or approach the birds directly are important ethical practices. If an injured eagle is discovered, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Wildlife Enforcement Division or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.