Eagles are a prominent part of Florida’s wildlife, hosting one of the densest populations of nesting Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states. The presence of these birds is considered a significant conservation success story. Florida’s extensive network of wetlands, coasts, and large lakes provides an ideal environment for these large raptors, which are resident year-round.
Identifying Florida’s Resident Eagles
The most common eagle species in Florida is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), easily recognizable in adulthood by its dark brown body and brilliant white head and tail feathers. Juvenile Bald Eagles appear mostly mottled brown and do not develop the distinctive white plumage until they are approximately four or five years old. Adult Bald Eagles are substantial birds, reaching wingspans up to 7.5 feet, with females typically larger than males.
A far rarer visitor is the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which occasionally appears in Florida during the winter months, mostly in the northern and central parts of the state. Golden Eagles are dark brown overall, lacking the white head of their bald counterparts, but they possess golden-brown feathers on the back of their neck. A key feature distinguishing them from juvenile Bald Eagles is the Golden Eagle’s fully feathered legs, extending all the way to its toes, a trait Bald Eagles do not share.
Where Florida’s Eagles Live and Nest
Florida’s Bald Eagles are found across the state, with the highest concentrations clustered around the major lake systems in Central Florida, the periphery of the Everglades, and along the Gulf Coast. Eagles require tall, sturdy trees with an unobstructed view for their nests, often selecting native pines, cypress, or mangroves near large bodies of water.
The nesting season begins exceptionally early in Florida compared to northern populations, with the official breeding period running from October 1 through May 15. Courtship and nest repair can begin as early as September, and eggs are typically laid between December and early January. Bald Eagle nests, known as “eyries,” are massive structures built from large sticks and lined with softer materials like grasses and mosses. A constantly-reused nest can eventually grow to be the largest of any bird in North America, with one recorded Florida nest measuring 9.5 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
Diet and Hunting Behavior
The diet of Florida’s Bald Eagles is primarily focused on fish, which is readily available in the state’s extensive aquatic environments. Studies indicate that fish can make up nearly 80 percent of the prey brought to nests, with catfish species like the brown bullhead being a common choice. This preference for fish is why nearly all Bald Eagle nests in Florida are built within two miles of a water source.
These eagles are opportunistic foragers, consuming a variety of other prey, including waterfowl and small mammals, and readily scavenging carrion. Their hunting technique involves watching from a high perch or soaring over the water before swooping down to snatch a fish from the surface with their powerful talons. Bald Eagles are also known for engaging in kleptoparasitism, where they harass other raptors, particularly Ospreys, until the smaller bird drops its captured fish, which the eagle then retrieves.
Population Recovery and Legal Protections
The Bald Eagle population in Florida experienced a severe decline during the mid-20th century, largely due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failure. In 1973, only 88 active nesting pairs were documented across the state, representing a low point for the species. Following the 1972 ban on DDT and subsequent conservation efforts, the population began a robust recovery.
Today, the population has rebounded significantly. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recorded an estimated 1,488 active nests during the 2023-2024 breeding season. The species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 and the state threatened species list in 2008. Despite their recovery, Bald Eagles remain protected under both state and federal law, specifically the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. These laws prohibit the “take,” possession, or disturbance of eagles, their nests, or their eggs without authorization.