Georgia is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including eagles. These powerful raptors highlight Georgia’s varied ecosystems, which offer suitable habitats and abundant resources for their survival. From coastal marshes to northern mountains, the state provides environments where eagles thrive.
Eagle Species in Georgia
Two eagle species inhabit Georgia: the Bald Eagle and the less commonly observed Golden Eagle. They possess distinct characteristics that aid in their identification and differentiate their ecological roles.
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is Georgia’s more prevalent eagle, easily recognized by its dark brown body, white head and tail, and bright yellow beak and talons. Adults measure between 2.5 and 3 feet in length, with a wingspan of 66 to 96 inches, and weigh between 6.6 and 13.8 pounds. Bald Eagles are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds and often returning to the same large stick nests, which can measure up to 9 feet in diameter.
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a less frequent sight in Georgia, primarily appearing as a winter visitor. This species features a dark brown body with golden-brown feathers on its nape and head, and its legs are fully feathered down to the toes. Golden Eagles are comparable in size to Bald Eagles, with wingspans of 70 to 90 inches and weights from 6.4 to 13.2 pounds. Unlike Bald Eagles, which primarily consume fish, Golden Eagles are terrestrial hunters, preying on small to medium-sized mammals like rabbits and groundhogs.
Where to Spot Eagles in Georgia
Observing eagles in Georgia depends on the species and time of year, as certain habitats offer better viewing opportunities. Bald Eagles are frequently found near expansive bodies of water, including large lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, where fish are readily available. Noteworthy locations for Bald Eagle sightings include the coastal regions around the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers, the Okefenokee Swamp, and various barrier islands. Inland, major reservoirs such as Lake Seminole, Lake Oconee, Lake Allatoona, and West Point Lake also support Bald Eagle populations.
Golden Eagles, being less common, are sighted in Georgia’s northern and western parts, particularly within mountain ranges like the Appalachians and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. These areas provide the open, forested habitats and rugged terrain that Golden Eagles prefer for hunting their mammalian prey. State parks such as Vogel State Park and Unicoi State Park, along with Wildlife Management Areas like Rich Mountain WMA, are known spots for these elusive birds.
The best time for eagle viewing in Georgia is during the winter months, from October to April, when the state’s eagle population increases due to an influx of eagles migrating south from colder northern regions. Bald Eagles in Georgia lay eggs in late winter or early spring, between December and January, with chicks fledging around late March to April. Public viewing locations like Berry College offer webcams for observing Bald Eagle nests, while nature centers such as the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Center for Wildlife Education provide opportunities to see live eagles up close.
Eagle Conservation and Population Trends
Eagle populations in Georgia, especially the Bald Eagle, experienced a decline in the mid-20th century. By the 1950s, their numbers decreased, leading to a period from 1971 to 1980 with no successful Bald Eagle nests recorded in the state. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which entered the food chain and caused eagles to lay eggs with thin shells, leading to reproductive failure. Habitat loss and historical human persecution also contributed to their endangerment.
A recovery followed due to concerted conservation efforts. The federal ban on DDT in 1972, alongside the enactment of the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973 and Georgia’s own Endangered Wildlife Act in 1973, provided protections. Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implemented a “hacking program” from 1979 to 1995, releasing 89 young Bald Eagles into the wild to help reestablish the population. Additional protections, such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 and subsequent amendments, bolstered their recovery.
These efforts led to a rebound in Bald Eagle numbers. From only one successful nest in Georgia in 1981, the population grew to over 48 occupied nest territories by 2000, surpassing 100 by 2007, and exceeding 200 annually since 2015. While the Bald Eagle was federally delisted from endangered status in 2007, it remains listed as a threatened species under Georgia state law, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and protection. The Georgia DNR continues annual aerial surveys to monitor nesting activity and productivity, and encourages public reporting of new eagle nests to support conservation.