Eagles are among the most recognized birds of prey. In North America, the Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle often lead to questions about their differences, particularly regarding size. This article explores their physical dimensions, distinguishing features, and ecological roles.
The Size Showdown
Golden and Bald Eagles are similar in size, though variations exist. Bald Eagles generally have a body length of 28 to 40 inches (70 to 102 cm), while Golden Eagles measure 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm). In terms of wingspan, Bald Eagles typically stretch from 5.5 to 8 feet (1.7 to 2.4 meters), and Golden Eagles range from 5.9 to 7.8 feet (1.8 to 2.34 meters).
Regarding weight, female eagles of both species are consistently larger than males. Bald Eagles typically weigh between 6.6 and 14 pounds (3 to 6.3 kg), with females averaging 10 to 12 pounds. Golden Eagles generally weigh between 5.5 and 14.8 pounds (2.5 to 6.7 kg), with females often reaching 11 to 15 pounds. While there can be overlap, Golden Eagles tend to be slightly heavier on average, though Bald Eagles can sometimes have a greater wingspan.
Identifying Features Beyond Size
Beyond size, specific physical characteristics distinguish Golden and Bald Eagles. Adult Bald Eagles are identified by their striking white head and tail, which contrast sharply with their dark brown body plumage. Their large, hooked beaks and legs are bright yellow, and their legs are unfeathered. These distinctive white markings typically appear when the bird reaches three to five years of age.
Golden Eagles, in contrast, maintain a uniform dark brown plumage with a golden-brown sheen on their nape and neck, giving them their name. Their beaks are generally darker, often black-tipped, and slightly smaller in proportion to their heads compared to Bald Eagles. A key identifier for Golden Eagles, even juveniles, is feathers extending down their legs to their feet, creating a “booted” appearance. Young Golden Eagles also often display distinct white patches at the base of their tail and on their wings, which fade as they mature.
Habitat and Lifestyle Differences
Beyond their physical appearance, Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles occupy different ecological niches, influencing their preferred habitats and hunting strategies. Bald Eagles are associated with aquatic environments, typically found near large bodies of open water like lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Their diet primarily consists of fish, which they snatch from the water with their powerful talons. They are also opportunistic scavengers, feeding on carrion or small mammals and birds when fish are scarce.
Golden Eagles, conversely, prefer open and semi-open landscapes, including mountainous regions, grasslands, deserts, and tundra. They are primarily active hunters of small to medium-sized mammals, such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and marmots. Both species are found across North America; Bald Eagles are widespread from Alaska through Canada to northern Mexico, often residing year-round near suitable water bodies. Golden Eagles are also distributed across North America, but their presence is more concentrated in the western parts of the continent, with some populations migrating.