The bald eagle maintains a notable presence within Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Their presence highlights a successful conservation narrative, showing how focused efforts aid species recovery. These birds are observed across various regions, adapting to Arizona’s unique environments.
Arizona’s Bald Eagle Habitats
Bald eagles in Arizona inhabit areas near large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, providing abundant fish, their primary food source. They are found along the Salt and Verde Rivers, central to their desert-nesting population. These birds also utilize tall trees and cliffs for nesting and perching, extending their range to regions like the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. Their distribution encompasses central Arizona and the western, eastern, and northeastern parts of the state. A bald eagle nest was even discovered in a saguaro cactus in 2020, marking the first confirmed instance of this nesting substrate in Arizona.
Seasonal Patterns and Breeding
Arizona hosts two populations of bald eagles: a resident desert-nesting population and winter visitors. The resident eagles have adapted to the desert climate by initiating their breeding activities earlier than their northern counterparts. Courtship begins in December, with nest building and augmentation starting in January. Eggs are laid from December to March. Hatching takes 35 days, and young eagles fledge 12 weeks after hatching, in May and June.
Wintering bald eagles begin arriving in Arizona the second week of October, seeking out streams and lakes for foraging. Their numbers peak in February before they depart for northern breeding grounds by the third week of April. Resident adult eagles remain near their breeding areas year-round, while younger, non-breeding eagles may migrate north during the warmer months.
Conservation Efforts and Recovery
Bald eagles in Arizona have experienced a substantial population increase due to dedicated conservation efforts. Once listed as endangered in 1978 with fewer than 30 nesting pairs, the population has significantly recovered. In 2024, Arizona recorded 90 occupied breeding areas and 96 hatchlings, reflecting continued growth. Although the species was removed from the federal Endangered Species Act in 2007 and from Arizona’s endangered species list in 2011, protective measures persist.
The Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program, coordinated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee, is important in these efforts. This program deploys trained nestwatchers to monitor nesting sites, collect data on eagle behavior, and educate the public. They also enforce seasonal closures around breeding areas to minimize human disturbance, important for nesting success. These collaborative initiatives have aided the species’ recovery within the state.
Where to Observe Bald Eagles
Several locations in Arizona offer opportunities to observe bald eagles. Areas along the Salt and Verde Rivers are known for their resident breeding populations, including Bartlett Lake and Lake Pleasant. In northern Arizona, the Lake Mary and Mormon Lake areas provide chances to see these birds, especially in winter when migrant eagles are present. The San Carlos Reservoir also hosts significant numbers of wintering bald eagles. When viewing, it is important to maintain a respectful distance, especially during the breeding season, and adhere to any posted seasonal closures to avoid disturbing the eagles and their nests.