Eagles are impressive apex predators, recognized globally as symbols of strength and freedom. While the nation boasts many large birds of prey, the actual number of true eagle species native to the continent is surprisingly small.
Two Species Dominate the Skies
Only two species are native and regularly found across the United States: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. These two birds represent the entirety of the eagle population in the lower 48 states and Alaska. Both species are protected by federal law under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. They cover a vast geographic range, from coastal regions and major river systems to high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges.
The Bald Eagle: National Symbol and Fish Hunter
The Bald Eagle has served as the national emblem since 1782. Mature adults possess the iconic snowy white head and tail feathers that contrast sharply with their dark brown bodies. Their massive hooked beak, legs, and irises are a bright, vibrant yellow. This species is primarily a piscivore, meaning fish make up the majority of its diet, which influences its preferred habitat. Bald Eagles build their massive nests in tall, sturdy trees near large bodies of water, such as seacoasts, major rivers, and expansive lakes. These enormous nests are often reused and expanded each year.
The Golden Eagle: Master of the Mountains
The Golden Eagle is a bird of the open country, thriving in mountainous regions, deserts, and vast grasslands. Its plumage is a rich, dark brown, save for the characteristic golden-buff feathers that shimmer on the nape of its neck. Its diet consists mainly of small-to-medium sized mammals, such as rabbits, hares, and ground squirrels, which it hunts with impressive speed from high-altitude perches or during a powerful aerial dive. Unlike the Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagle is a “booted” eagle, meaning its legs are fully feathered right down to the talons. This robust feathering provides insulation and protection in its preferred interior habitats.
Key Ways to Distinguish the Two
Physical and behavioral traits serve as reliable markers for distinguishing the two species. The most obvious difference in a mature bird is the head color: white on the Bald Eagle and dark brown with a golden wash on the Golden Eagle. The leg structure also differs; the Golden Eagle is fully feathered down its legs, while the Bald Eagle has bare, scaly legs. Finally, the likelihood of an encounter is often dictated by location, with the Bald Eagle being found near water and the Golden Eagle preferring the mountainous and arid interior landscapes.