The United States is home to two primary eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Both are formidable raptors that inhabit a broad range across North America, but their distribution within the continental U.S. is distinct. While eagles can be found in nearly every state, their concentration and habitat preferences vary significantly based on their unique ecological needs.
Bald Eagle Range
Bald Eagles are highly adaptable, occupying territories in all U.S. states except Hawaii, but their populations are concentrated around major bodies of water. The largest density is found in Alaska, which hosts an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 birds along its extensive coastline, rivers, and inland lakes. Within the contiguous 48 states, their distribution is closely linked to fish availability and suitable nesting trees near water.
Significant populations are found in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington and Oregon, inhabiting coastal areas and large river systems. The Great Lakes region is another stronghold, with states like Minnesota and Wisconsin supporting thousands of eagles throughout the year. Wintering concentrations often appear along the Mississippi River, where open water provides access to food even when northern lakes freeze over.
Florida maintains a substantial year-round breeding population, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs found near its numerous swamps, lakes, and coastal areas. The Chesapeake Bay region, spanning Maryland and Virginia, is also a historically important area that has seen a strong recovery in eagle numbers.
Golden Eagle Range
The Golden Eagle’s distribution is more restricted, focusing primarily on the rugged, open landscapes of the Western United States. Their range extends from Alaska down through the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and into the Southwest. These eagles prefer vast, open country, including grasslands, shrublands, and canyonlands, which provide excellent hunting grounds.
The highest populations in the contiguous U.S. are concentrated in states like Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, and California. These regions offer the necessary combination of mountainous terrain and arid or semi-arid habitat. Golden Eagles are rarely found east of the Mississippi River, though a small migratory population uses the Appalachian Mountains as a wintering ground.
This eastern population breeds in northern Canada and migrates south to states like Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Alabama for the colder months. Unlike the western eagles, which are often year-round residents, the eastern Golden Eagles are primarily non-breeding visitors.
Ecological Factors Influencing Distribution
The differences in state-level distribution result directly from each species’ specialized habitat and dietary needs. Bald Eagles are primarily fish-eaters, requiring proximity to large, fish-rich waters for survival and successful breeding. They require super-canopy nest trees—sturdy, tall conifers that stand above the surrounding forest—providing clear flight paths and an unobstructed view of their aquatic hunting territory.
Golden Eagles are powerful predators whose diet consists mainly of medium-sized terrestrial mammals. This reliance on terrestrial prey dictates their preference for open, expansive environments like high-elevation grasslands and mountain slopes. They select nesting sites on inaccessible cliff ledges or rugged canyon walls.
This rugged topography offers protection and creates the necessary thermal updrafts and wind currents that these large raptors use for soaring and hunting. The availability of open hunting habitat, coupled with secure, elevated nesting locations, determines the precise state-by-state patterns.