Delaware has been graced with the presence of two out of the four eagle species native to North America. These magnificent creatures, known as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, hold a significant position as the majestic rulers of the sky and have forged a deep connection with humanity, both in our minds and in practical ways.
Humans have long held eagles in high esteem, recognizing their power and strength, often using them as symbols of dominance and might. Furthermore, we have enlisted their assistance in the noble pursuit of hunting.
Sadly, our treatment of these noble creatures has not always been virtuous. We have subjected them to persecution and the destruction of their habitats, nearly pushing certain species to the brink of extinction.
It is astonishing to note that eagles possess the remarkable ability to carry up to four times their own body weight. This is a testament to their incredible strength and physical prowess.
On a global scale, there exist a total of 60 eagle species, making them some of the largest birds in existence. Typically, female eagles surpass their male counterparts in size, exhibiting an impressive stature.
For those with a fascination for birds of prey, it is worthwhile to explore comprehensive guides on hawks and vultures in Delaware. Additionally, one can witness captivating live footage of eagle nests, providing an awe-inspiring experience, while also discovering fascinating facts about the Bald Eagle.
This informative guide is designed to assist in identifying the various types of eagles spotted in Delaware, drawing on avibase as a reliable source of information, and incorporating data collected from avid birdwatchers on ebird, ensuring the provision of accurate and real-time observations regarding the presence of these birds.
2 Eagle Species in Delaware
1. Bald Eagle
Throughout the year, Bald Eagles can be observed in Delaware, making appearances in approximately 20% of the checklists submitted by passionate birdwatchers during both summer and winter.
The Bald Eagle is widely recognized as a remarkable bird of prey, boasting a distinctive appearance with its white head, yellow eyes, and formidable hooked yellow bill. Its body dons a rich chocolate-brown hue, complemented by yellow legs adorned with formidable talons.
While females closely resemble their male counterparts, they exhibit an impressive 25% increase in size. Juveniles, on the other hand, sport dark brown heads and bodies, adorned with varying patterns of white mottling or streaking, a feature that persists until they reach maturity at around five years of age.
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Length: 34 – 43 inches (86 – 109 cm)
- Weight: 168 ounces (4761 g)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Bald Eagles predominantly breed in Canada and migrate to the United States for the winter season. However, some individuals choose to remain in Delaware year-round, particularly in coastal areas.
Breeding-season sightings of Bald Eagles often occur in wetland environments, where open and expansive bodies of water teem with plentiful fish, providing ideal hunting grounds. Additionally, these regal birds require tall, mature trees that afford excellent visibility for nesting, roosting, and perching. The proximity to water, especially during nesting, is of utmost importance.
During winter, Bald Eagles congregate in areas abundant with perches, surrounding unfrozen water sources that brim with an ample supply of fish. When unfrozen water becomes scarce, they seek out open habitats containing medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows.
Bald Eagles possess an opportunistic diet, adapting to the available food sources in their surroundings. Fish, particularly larger species like trout and salmon, rank among their preferred delicacies. They either hunt these fish themselves or cunningly pilfer them from other avian hunters. On occasion, they also scavenge carrion, feasting on deceased fish.
Medium to large-sized birds, including ducks, herons, owls, and geese, serve as alternative prey for Bald Eagles. In winter, when fishing becomes less fruitful, these resourceful creatures shift their attention to mammals. Initially targeting weak, dying, or young individuals, they skillfully capture rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and even deer fawns.
It may come as a surprise that the Bald Eagle’s vocalization, commonly characterized as a high-pitched whistle, fails to match its imposing size, often leading to underwhelming expectations.
The nests of Bald Eagles are substantial structures, designed to withstand their considerable size and weight. Constructed from sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, these nests reach diameters of approximately 6 feet and heights of 4 feet. The males gather the materials, while the females expertly arrange them into a secure abode.
Widely regarded as the largest nests among North American birds, Bald Eagles’ creations astound with their sheer size and durability.
In the wild, females may lay between one to three eggs per year, while captive individuals have been known to lay as many as seven eggs. The parents diligently share incubation duties for a span of thirty-five days, alternating between nurturing the eggs and foraging for sustenance.
Fun Fact: The Bald Eagle has been an enduring symbol of American national pride since 1782. While its name suggests baldness, it is, in fact, adorned with a white head and tail. The archaic meaning of “bald” referred to the color white, thus accurately describing this majestic bird’s appearance.
2. Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are a relatively rare sight in Delaware, though there have been sporadic sightings, particularly during the winter months, notably from October to November.
Widely distributed across the globe, Golden Eagles captivate with their golden-brown crown and nape, an awe-inspiring spectacle when illuminated by the perfect rays of sunlight.
Their bodies emanate a darker shade of brown, accentuated by pale flight feathers. Eye color in Golden Eagles ranges from light yellow to deep brown, while their beaks feature a yellow cere that attaches to the forehead, with darkened tips.
While adult Golden Eagles exhibit striking similarities, the females surpass the males in size. Juveniles also share comparable appearances, although they tend to possess darker coloring, occasionally resembling a black hue on their backs. These young eagles display distinctive white patches beneath their wings and sporadic white markings on their tails.
- Scientific Name: 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 embark on seasonal migrations southward, reaching the United States and northern Mexico. However, Golden Eagles residing in western US states remain in their territories throughout the year.
Mountainous habitats situated well above the treeline serve as preferred abodes for Golden Eagles. Additionally, they inhabit canyons, cliffs along riversides, and bluffs for nesting purposes. Typically, they tend to avoid areas with a significant human presence.
For those willing to experience the world from a Golden Eagle’s perspective, a video showcasing their daily life provides an enthralling opportunity. However, it is recommended for those who do not suffer from a fear of heights!
As birds of prey, it is only natural for Golden Eagles to target small to medium-sized animals, such as rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares, for sust
enance. On occasion, their predatory prowess extends to larger prey, including cranes, swans, and even domestic livestock. Employing a tactical hunting strategy, they often engage in pair hunting, with one eagle tirelessly pursuing the prey until exhaustion sets in, allowing the other to execute the final strike.
Golden Eagles are known for their vocalizations primarily during the breeding season when hungry chicks clamor for attention, and dutiful parents respond accordingly. Outside of this period, they maintain a relatively silent demeanor, occasionally punctuated by high-pitched whistled calls.
Nests of Golden Eagles predominantly perch at lofty elevations, frequently located on cliffs. However, they also exhibit adaptability, constructing nests in trees or artificial structures, such as observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. The lofty positioning affords parents a broad view of both their nesting and hunting territories.
The construction of Golden Eagle nests spans one to three months, relying on a foundation of sticks and plant materials. To ensure a comfortable environment and deter pesky insects, aromatic leaves line these nests. Over time, these nests increase in size as adult eagles continue to fortify them with additional materials.
Within the wild, females typically lay between one to three eggs, while the parents meticulously take turns incubating them for a period of forty-one to forty-five days. Finally, after a mere 37 hours, the eggs hatch, ushering in the next generation of Golden Eagles.
Fun Fact: Feathers adorning the legs of birds of prey are a rarity among American species. Golden Eagles, alongside the Rough-legged Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, possess feathers extending to their toes, setting them apart in this unique regard.