Florida has become the sighting grounds for two out of the four eagle species found in North America. The majestic Bald Eagle and the elusive Golden Eagle have made appearances here. While Bald Eagles can be seen during the winter season, spotting a Golden Eagle in Florida is a rare occurrence.
Eagles hold a special place in human hearts and minds, symbolizing power and strength. Throughout history, we have admired these regal creatures and even enlisted their aid in hunting.
Sadly, our treatment of eagles hasn’t always been favorable. We have persecuted them and destroyed their habitats to the brink of extinction for many species.
One remarkable attribute of eagles is their ability to carry up to four times their own weight.
With 60 species worldwide, eagles rank among the largest birds. Typically, females surpass males in size.
If you have an interest in birds of prey, I recommend exploring the guides on hawks and vultures in Florida. Additionally, witnessing the nesting activities of eagles through live cameras and discovering fascinating facts about Bald Eagles will surely captivate you.
This comprehensive guide offers insights into the various eagle species found in Florida, as documented by avibase and data collected from avid bird watchers on ebird. It provides authentic information on when and where these magnificent birds can be spotted.
2 Eagle Species Found in Florida
1. Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles are a familiar sight in Florida throughout the year, but their numbers increase during the winter months, from October to mid-April. They are observed in approximately 3% of summer checklists and 14% of winter checklists submitted by bird watchers in the state.
This bird of prey is widely recognized, with its distinctive white head, yellow eyes, and a formidable hooked yellow bill. Its chocolate-brown body and yellow legs, equipped with powerful talons, complete its remarkable appearance.
Females closely resemble males, except they tend to be about 25% larger. Juvenile Bald Eagles have dark brown heads and bodies adorned with varying degrees of white speckles or streaks until they reach maturity around their fifth year.
- Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Length: 34 – 43 inches (86 – 109 cm)
- Weight: 168 ounces (4761 g)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Bald Eagles primarily breed in Canada and migrate to the United States during the winter. However, some individuals remain in Florida year-round, particularly in coastal regions.
During the breeding season, Bald Eagles can be found in wetland environments with open and large bodies of water teeming with fish. They require tall, mature trees with a spacious and visible structure to serve as roosting, perching, and nesting sites. Proximity to water, especially when nesting, is crucial for their survival.
In winter, Bald Eagles congregate around areas with ample perches near unfrozen water, where fish abound. When such water sources are unavailable, open habitats with medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows, become their gathering spots.
Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders, adapting to the available food sources in their surroundings. They have a particular affinity for fish, especially larger species like trout and salmon. They may either hunt these fish themselves or steal them from other birds. Additionally, they occasionally scavenge carrion, including deceased fish.
These mighty birds also prey upon medium to large-sized birds, such as ducks, herons, owls, and geese. During winter, when fishing is less productive, they turn to mammals as their primary prey. They initially target weak, dying, or young animals, hunting rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and deer fawns.
Fun Fact: Although the Bald Eagle is known as “bald,” it does not refer to its lack of feathers. The term “bald” originates from an old definition meaning “white,” alluding to its distinctive white head and tail feathers. Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has served as the national symbol of America.
2. Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are infrequently sighted in Florida, categorized as rare or accidental visitors during the winter season, from October to April. Recent sightings have been reported around the Yucca Pens Unit State Wildlife Management Area.
These eagles, known for their widespread distribution, possess a golden-brown crown and nape that shimmer beautifully under the right lighting conditions. Their bodies exhibit a darker shade of brown, complemented by pale flight feathers. The color of their eyes ranges from light yellow to dark brown. A yellow cere connects their bill to the forehead, and the tip of their bill is dark.
While adult Golden Eagles resemble each other, females are generally larger than males. Juveniles share similar characteristics but often display darker coloration, occasionally appearing black on their backs. They also possess white patches on the undersides of their wings and exhibit some white coloring on their tails.
- Aquila chrysaetos
- Length: 27 – 38 inches (69 – 97 cm)
- Weight: 160 ounces (4534 g)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Golden Eagles that breed in Canada and Alaska migrate southward during winter to the United States and northern Mexico. However, Golden Eagles in western US states tend to remain in their territories throughout the year.
These captivating birds can be found in mountainous habitats, often soaring high above the tree lines. They also inhabit canyons, cliffs along riversides, and bluffs for nesting purposes. Generally, Golden Eagles prefer to avoid areas with significant human presence.
For a bird’s-eye view of a Golden Eagle’s daily routine, feel free to watch the accompanying video, provided you’re not afraid of heights!
Given their status as birds of prey, it is natural for Golden Eagles to target small to medium-sized animals like rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they may even pursue and capture larger prey such as cranes, swans, and domestic livestock. Their hunting technique often involves pairs, with one eagle relentlessly pursuing the prey until it tires, allowing the other to swoop in for the kill.
Golden Eagle Call: Golden Eagles emit vocalizations primarily during the breeding season when chicks beg for food, eliciting responses from their parents. Otherwise, they tend to be rather silent, occasionally producing high-pitched whistling calls.
Golden Eagle nests are typically situated in elevated locations such as cliffs. However, they also construct nests in trees or artificial structures like observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. The elevated positions provide the parents with an extensive view of their nesting and hunting grounds.
Building a Golden Eagle nest requires one to three months and involves utilizing sticks and plant materials. To deter insects and other pests, the eagles line their nests with aromatic leaves. These nests are reused for many years and gradually expand in size as the adults continually add materials to them.
The female Golden Eagle lays one to three eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for a period of forty-one to forty-five days. The hatching process takes approximately 37 hours.
Fun Fact: Feathers on their legs up to their toes distinguish Golden Eagles, Rough-legged Hawks, and Ferruginous Hawks from other American birds of prey.