American Eagles: Bald and Golden, Iconic Symbols of North American Wildlife

Both Bald and Golden Eagles are iconic symbols of American power and freedom.

Both eagles are birds of prey, hunting for their food as well as scavenging. Eagles will fight larger predators in order to get access to carrion.

Let’s take a look at each bird separately and then similarities and differences. In addition, I will give you some tips on how to spot them in the wild.

After you are done reading this blog I have one on the dangers facing birds of prey and how they need your help now!

Bald Eagle

The bald eagle an apex predator that came back from the brink of extinction is an American symbol of freedom. The bald eagle makes quite the impression. As a rehabber, I can tell you that they have a ferocious reputation and even a severely injured one will fight back with all it has.

What Does The Bald Eagle Eat?

The bald eagle is a skilled fisherman and swoops down out of the sky, using its talons to catch fish near the surface of the water. Bald Eagles have bumps on the bottom of their feet called spicules that allow them to grasp fish.

They are an opportunistic feeder and will prey on crabs, turtles, and snakes as well as fish. In addition, they will prey on other birds, especially waterfowl, and hunt small mammals such as rabbits.

Bald Eagles, especially juveniles will scavenge and eat carrion. They are well known for chasing other animals away and stealing their dinner. This is why Ben Franklin referred to them as having "bad manners".

Bald Eagle Predators

Bald Eagles are apex predators and are at the top of their food chain. As adults the only predator they have is humans.

However, the eggs and chicks are preyed on by raccoons, foxes, and wolverines.

Appearance and Senses

The bald eagle gets its name from the white feathers on its head which don't appear till they are sexually mature at about 5 years old.

Immature birds have a flecked appearance with brown and white feathers. Juvenile eagles will often hang around the nesting area the first year as they develop hunting skills.

The wingspan of a female bald eagle averages 7.2 feet and the male averages 6.4 feet. That's slightly less than a golden eagle and less than the California Condor who has the largest wingspan at 9.5 feet. Bald eagles weigh between 10-20 pounds and can be 3 feet tall.

Males and females look just alike however females are about 25% larger.

Eagle Eye

Eagle eye is a term we have for someone with good eyesight. The Bald Eagle has fantastic eyesight - four times better than a human and can spot prey two miles away. They see a wide spectrum of colors and can even see ultraviolet light.

With eyes positioned on the sides of its head, the bald eagle can scan its surroundings with an impressive field of view, allowing it to carefully observe the landscape below as it soars through the sky.

This sharp vision is supplemented by specialized vision cells called cones, which enhance the bird's ability to perceive colors, particularly yellow and red.

Hearing:
The bald eagle possesses acute auditory senses that enable it to detect crucial sounds in its environment. It can pick up on faint rustling sounds or small movements made by potential prey, allowing the bird to pinpoint food sources with remarkable accuracy.

Additionally, the bald eagle's auditory capabilities assist in communication with its partner and offspring. Through a series of high-pitched calls, chirps, and screams, the eagle is able to convey vital messages, establish territories, and maintain familial bonds.
Smell:
The sense of smell is not as developed in the bald eagle as it is in some other birds of prey. While the bald eagle primarily relies on its sight and hearing for hunting, it may occasionally utilize its sense of smell for locating carrion.

Furthermore, the eagle's acute sense of smell comes into play during the breeding season, as it helps individuals recognize potential mates and establish compatible pairs.

Nesting and Reproduction

Bald eagles build enormous nests. The largest of any North American bird. Nests can be 13 feet deep and 8 feet wide! Using sticks they choose nesting spots in tall trees often overlooking lakes or rivers.

Bald eagles have been known to roost or build nests on radio towers and other manmade buildings.

They form long-lasting pair bonds and both parents help to care for the chicks. Typically laying two eggs but may lay up to four. Incubation lasts 35 days.

The babies are called nestlings for the first ten weeks of life. One parent stays with the nestlings while the other parent hunts for food. Leaving them would expose them to cold and predators so the parents are quite vigilant.

A newly hatched chick can’t regulate its body temperature and needs to be warmed by the parents. When the adults have young eaglets, they ball their talons into a fist to avoid accidentally harming their offspring.

Fledglings are known as reluctant flyers and need to practice using their wings before having the confidence to leave the nest. The parent will keep bringing the young food after they leave the nest for another 4-6 weeks.

That first year is critical and only 50% of young bald eagles make it to maturity.

Bald Eagles and Wildlife Rehabilitation

Eagles like other birds of prey are often in need of rescue and rehabilitation.

The exact number of bald eagles treated in wildlife rehabilitation facilities nationwide is difficult to determine with absolute precision. However, data collected over the years give us a glimpse into the scale of this issue.

Read my article on How to Become A Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wildlife Health Center, in recent years, an estimated range of 4000 to 6000 bald eagles are admitted to licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers annually.

The reasons behind the admission of bald eagles into these facilities vary. Some of the common causes of injury include collisions with vehicles, power lines, or wind turbines, lead poisoning from consuming contaminated prey, illegal shooting, or entanglement in fishing lines.

Once admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, bald eagles receive specialized care to address their injuries and ailments. Experienced wildlife rehabilitators, often working in collaboration with veterinarians, provide medical treatment, physical therapy, and nutrition tailored to the individual needs of each bird. The ultimate goal is to restore the health and well-being of the eagle so that it can be released back into the wild.

It's a very happy day when a bald eagle can be released back into the wild.

Eagles that have permanent injuries and can no longer hunt often become licensed educational animals.

Bald eagles can and do get shot. Eagles like other birds of prey are often in need of rescue and rehabilitation. This bald eagle was shot and is receiving veterinary care at the University of Tennessee. Photo by USFWS.

It is obviously illegal to shoot a bald eagle

It is illegal to shoot a bald eagle for several significant reasons that underline the importance of protecting this majestic bird, which is a symbol of American heritage and conservation efforts.
The bald eagle was granted protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1967, and later its status was upgraded to endangered in 1978 and removed from the endangered species list in 2007.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Revered as a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience, the bald eagle holds immense cultural value in American society. It is the national emblem of the United States, representing the nation's ideals and aspirations.

Shooting a bald eagle not only infringes upon the respect owed to our national symbol but also undermines the deep-rooted connection between the bird and the American people.

Protecting our national symbol signifies a commitment to conservation and the preservation of our shared cultural values.

Legal Consequences:

Lastly, shooting a bald eagle is illegal under both federal and state laws. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

These legal measures are in place to deter individuals from harming or killing bald eagles, ensuring the continued protection of this iconic species.

In 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. It depicts a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with thirteen leaves in its talons representing the 13 colonies.

Our National Bird

The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782. You can check out my article on wild turkeys and hear more about how Benjamin Franklin supported them but he never argued against the bald eagle being our national bird.

In 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States. It depicts a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with thirteen leaves in its talons representing the 13 colonies.

However, long before they symbolized American freedom bald eagles were Native American symbols and spirit animals. This symbolic messenger was adorned on pottery and jewelry. Native Americans today are allowed to possess and use eagle feathers.

The Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagles are the most widespread eagle living in the western United States and Canada as well as much of northern Europe and Asia.

Golden eagles have large powerful feet and talons and a wingspan of over 7 feet in females.

What Do Golden Eagles Eat?

These formidable predators can take down animals much larger than themselves, including deer and foxes.

They can take down a variety of prey, from small mammals to other birds often feeding on rabbits and ground squirrels but they are not afraid to go after bigger prey.

They will even stalk prey on the ground. By keeping populations of certain prey species in check, they prevent overgrazing and help preserve the plant life in their habitat. This, in turn, supports a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Golden Eagle Senses

Their exceptional eyesight allows them to spot a target from incredible distances. They can see eight times as far as humans and can spot a rabbit up to two miles away. Then they swoop down out of the sky at up to 150 miles per hour.

The indigenous Kyrgyz people are well-known falconers having hunted with these birds for over 1000 years. They actually train the eagles to hunt larger prey.

A rich golden brown color with a black beak. Like the bald eagle, they are protected by law.

Golden Eagle chicks

Nesting and Family Life

Golden eagles are dedicated parents. High in the rugged mountains, they construct massive nests where they raise their young. They will nest in tall trees or along cliff faces. Golden eagles are monogamous and both parents help care for the young.

Typically two eggs are laid. Incubation takes 42 days. The female does most of the incubation but the male will give her breaks.

Both parents play crucial roles in nurturing their chicks, and protecting them from the elements and potential threats. It's a story of dedication and teamwork.

The first 20 days the eaglets are helpless and totally dependent on their parents. At about one month they start picking at food brought to them and by two months can tear apart a carcass.

Young eagles fledge at about 10 weeks. They will often eat carrion that first year as they develop hunting skills.

Check out my video on the Golden Eagle.

Decline in Population

Sadly the golden eagle has suffered declines in population. While birds like the peregrine falcon have adapted to living in cities the golden eagle has not.

Golden eagles hunt in large open areas where they can spot their prey and swoop down and prefer rugged mountainous regions. They have been extirpated from much of their hunting range by urbanization.

Comparing Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles

As Americans, we easily can spot our national symbol by its yellow beak and white head.

An immature bald eagle and a golden can be hard to tell apart due to similar coloring. The bald eagle will have a larger beak and no feathers on the legs revealing yellow ankles.

A young bald eagle does not have white feathers yet on their head and looks very much like an adult golden eagle.

Characteristics

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is typically recognized for its distinctive white head and tail feathers, which contrast with its dark brown body. It boasts a wingspan of around 6 to 7 feet, and adult males can weigh up to 14 pounds.

In contrast, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) showcases a more uniform dark brown or golden-brown coloration throughout its body. It possesses a slightly larger wingspan, ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet, and adult males can reach weights of up to 15 pounds.

Habitat

The bald eagle is predominantly found in North America, with a stronghold along coastal areas, large lakes, and major rivers. It tends to nest in tall trees close to water bodies, as it relies heavily on fish as a food source.

Bald eagles can be found in urban areas where there are large bodies of water. For instance, in Madison, Wisconsin there are over a dozen nesting pairs. The birds nest in parks along the lakefront.

On the other hand, the golden eagle has a more widespread global distribution, occurring in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Northern Africa. It is typically found in rocky mountainous areas near open terrain, often nesting on cliffs or rock outcrops.

Yet the golden eagle is declining due to habitat loss. They do not adjust to an urban environment. This is in part due to their hunting methods.

Goldens hunt small mammals by flying over large fields taking the prey back to their cliff nests. When the field or valley becomes a sub-division the birds lose their hunting territory.

Bald eagles hunt more fish and waterfowl so have better access to prey in an urban area.

FEET

One interesting way to tell the two eagles apart is by their feet. Golden eagles have feathers all the way down their legs to their feet.

Bald eagles have bare legs and you can easily spot their bright yellow feet.

Spotting Eagles in the Wild

Winter can be a great time to spot bald eagles. Here is one on a frozen lake with trumpeter swans.

Bald eagles can also be spotted roosting in deciduous trees in winter. Remember to look up!

Look for large raptors in flight

Golden eagles are one of the largest raptors in North America, with wingspans reaching up to 7.5 feet. When scanning the skies, keep an eye out for large birds soaring at great heights.

Their size, coupled with their distinctive flight pattern characterized by steady, deliberate wing beats, can help you identify them even from a distance.

Listen for their distinctive calls

Golden eagles possess a unique vocalization that can assist in their identification. Their calls consist of high-pitched whistles or screams, often compared to the sound of a rusty gate swinging in the wind.

The majestic bald eagle emits a high-pitched, piercing call that resonates across the landscape. Its iconic cry is often described as a combination of a sharp whistle and a haunting screech, which can be heard from a great distance.

Utilize binoculars and spotting scopes

To enhance your chances of spotting golden eagles, equip yourself with binoculars or a spotting scope. These optical tools allow you to observe the birds in greater detail, even from a distance.

Scan the landscape and focus on rocky outcrops, cliffs, or tall trees, as golden eagles often utilize elevated perches to survey their surroundings.