The United States is home to two primary resident eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. While other eagle species, such as the Steller’s Sea-Eagle and the White-tailed Eagle, have been sighted in the U.S., particularly in Alaska, they are considered rare vagrants rather than established residents.
The Bald Eagle, recognized as the national bird of the United States, is an iconic raptor that has seen a remarkable comeback following conservation efforts. Its presence spans a wide range of habitats, often near large bodies of water where its primary food source is plentiful. The Golden Eagle typically occupies more open and rugged landscapes, known for its hunting adaptability. Both species are powerful predators that play significant roles in their respective ecosystems, each with distinct characteristics.
Distinguishing Features and Habitats
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is readily identifiable in adulthood by its striking white head and tail, which contrast sharply with its dark brown body and wings. Adults also possess a large, hooked yellow beak and bright yellow feet equipped with sharp black talons. Juvenile Bald Eagles, however, appear mostly dark brown with varying degrees of white mottling on their bodies and wings, gradually acquiring their adult plumage over four to five years. These large birds typically have a wingspan ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet, with some individuals reaching up to 8.5 feet, and females are generally larger than males.
Bald Eagles primarily inhabit areas near expansive bodies of water, including coastlines, large lakes, and rivers, as their diet largely consists of fish. They are opportunistic foragers, also consuming waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion when fish are not readily available. Their nests, constructed from large sticks, are often found in tall trees or on cliffs near water sources and can become massive structures from repeated use over years. This species is widespread across North America, found from Alaska and Canada down to northern Mexico.
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) presents a uniform dark brown plumage in adulthood, often with a subtle golden-brown wash on the nape, or back of the neck. Unlike Bald Eagles, juvenile Golden Eagles display distinct white patches at the base of their primary flight feathers and a white tail with a dark band at the tip. Their wingspan is comparable to that of the Bald Eagle, typically measuring between 6 to 7.4 feet, and they are similarly large, powerfully built raptors. Golden Eagles have feathered legs that extend all the way down to their toes, distinguishing them from Bald Eagles, which have unfeathered lower legs.
Golden Eagles are formidable hunters, primarily preying on mammals such as rabbits, marmots, and ground squirrels, along with birds like grouse. They are less reliant on fish than Bald Eagles and are known for their hunting prowess in open landscapes. Their preferred habitats include wide-open country, mountains, prairies, and deserts, where they can effectively hunt and utilize thermal updrafts for soaring. Golden Eagles typically build their nests on cliffs, though they may also use tall trees in flat terrains. They are widely distributed across the western United States and other wilder regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.