Bald eagles and golden eagles: What are the differences?

There are only two eagle species living in the U.S.

The bald eagle graces the Great Seal of our country. We all know it. Its white head and neck feathers contrast with brown feathers on much of its body. Even as a kid growing up in Iowa at a time when they weren’t present, I still would’ve recognized one (at least an adult) had I been lucky enough to see it. 

Progress: They returned to Iowa in 1977, and in a 2023 survey, there were 2,901 bald eagles spotted by the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources and its volunteers. Its recovery across this land is arguably the best success story of the Endangered Species Act. 

The golden eagle is brown with golden feathers on the back of its head and neck – thus its name. Also, these birds have feathers all the way down to their feet, which help with visual identification of juveniles since balds don’t get their white caps until later. 

But feathers are far from the only differences between the two species. 

Range and ideal habitat

Today, bald eagles live in every one of the Lower 48 states and much of Alaska and Canada, plus northern parts of Mexico. These birds reside near bodies of water and love old-growth and mature trees for nesting. 

Golden eagles, on the other hand, live in western U.S. states plus Canada, Alaska anbd northern regions of Mexico. But you might occasionally see one in the east, especially during migration. As for habitat, they prefer higher altitudes but live in diverse types of habitat, from intermittent forests and scrubby brushlands to deserts, prairies and canyonlands. You’ll usually find them living near cliffs and bluffs.

Their sizes are similar

Their bodies are similar in weight and wingspan. One interesting fact, though, is that females are larger. Female bald eagles have a wingspan of up to 8 feet, whereas the gents only have a wingspan of up to 6 feet. This trait is true, too, of golden eagles (and other birds of prey). It’s called “reversed sexual size dimorphism.” 

What do these eagles eat? 

Bald eagles live near water and eat loads of fish. But these birds aren’t picky and will eat turtles, rabbits, snakes and carrion (dead animals). 

The diet of golden eagles is far more varied. They eat lots of small mammals (prairie dogs, rabbits, mice, marmots), as well as snakes and other reptiles. On occasion they’ll kill a larger animal, such as a mountain goat, bobcat or coyote. This predator will also eat carrion. 

How many eagles live in the U.S.?  

Based on a 2020 report, there are more than 316,000 bald eagles living in the U.S. This suggests the population has quadrupled since just 2009. Even if the earlier count was low, that’s still impressive. 

In comparison, there are an estimated 30,000 golden eagles living in the U.S. 

The Endangered Species Act 

Based on their current populations, you might guess that the golden eagle was the one recently on the endangered species list. Not true. It has never needed the protections of the Endangered Species Act, but it is a species of “conservation need” (type in “golden eagle” here in the upper left) on 24 state wildlife action plans, meaning that many state wildlife officials have determined it needs attention. 

As for the bald eagle, back in 1963 there were only 417 known nesting pairs in the Lower 48. A pesticide called DDT caused its eggs to become so thin that they would break. DDT was banned in the U.S. in 1972. The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, and the species was protected by the law in 1978. It was considered endangered in most of the Lower 48, and threatened in a few northern states. 

Note: “Endangered” is closer to extinction than “threatened.” 

The bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Its recovery tells us that conservation measures work. You can celebrate by going out to see America’s bird in your state. If you don’t see one, visit Haines Alaska in November. You’ll be sure to spot one.