Alaska has been graced with the presence of all four eagle species native to North America. Throughout the year, one can spot the majestic Bald Eagle and the regal Golden Eagle soaring through the skies. However, the White-tailed Eagle and Steller’s Sea-Eagle are rare visitors to Alaska and are seldom seen.
Eagles, known as the “kings of the skies,” possess an impressive stature and strength, forging a profound connection with humans on both mental and physical levels.
Humans hold eagles in high esteem, recognizing their power and utilizing them as symbols of might and fortitude. These magnificent creatures have even been enlisted to aid in the noble pursuit of hunting.
Sadly, humans have not always been benevolent towards eagles. Their habitats have been ravaged, pushing many species to the brink of extinction through persecution and destruction.
An intriguing fact about eagles is their extraordinary ability to carry objects weighing up to four times their own body weight, showcasing their astonishing strength.
There exist a total of 60 eagle species across the globe, with several of them ranking among the largest avian species. In most cases, females surpass males in size.
If you possess an interest in raptors, I highly recommend exploring comprehensive guides on hawks and vultures in Alaska. Additionally, you can witness the captivating nesting activities of eagles through live cameras, while also discovering fascinating facts about the iconic Bald Eagle.
To aid you in identifying the various eagle species present in Alaska, a detailed guide has been compiled using data from avid birdwatchers on ebird and avibase. It offers authentic information about the optimal periods for spotting these avian wonders.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, with its striking appearance, graces the Alaskan landscape throughout the year, but its population tends to surge during the winter months from mid-September to mid-May. Birdwatchers have recorded Bald Eagles in 26% of summer checklists and 35% of winter checklists submitted for the state.
This bird of prey is widely recognized, boasting a white head, yellow eyes, and a formidable hooked yellow beak. Its body exhibits a rich chocolate brown hue, while its legs are adorned in yellow, featuring formidable talons.
Female Bald Eagles closely resemble their male counterparts, although they are approximately 25% larger. Juveniles possess dark brown heads and bodies, often accompanied by varying degrees of white mottling or streaking until they reach their fifth year of life.
- 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, although some individuals remain year-round, particularly in coastal regions.
During their breeding season, Bald Eagles favor wetland environments with ample open bodies of water teeming with fish. They require tall, mature trees for nesting, roosting, and perching, ensuring good visibility and an open structure to observe the forest floor. Proximity to water, especially during the nesting period, is essential.
In winter, Bald Eagles congregate near unfrozen water bodies with abundant fish, utilizing perches for optimal hunting opportunities. In the absence of suitable unfrozen water sources, they gather in open habitats featuring medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows.
Bald Eagles possess an opportunistic diet, adapting to the available resources in their environment. While their preferred fare consists of fish, particularly larger species like trout and salmon, they are equally capable of hunting and scavenging carrion. Additionally, medium to large-sized birds, including ducks, herons, owls, and geese, find their way onto the menu. During winter, they shift focus to mammals, primarily targeting weak, dying, or young prey such as rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and deer fawns.
It is worth noting that the vocalizations of Bald Eagles do not align with their grandiose size, as they produce a rather unimpressive high-pitched whistle.
Bald Eagle nests are built to accommodate their size and weight, showcasing sturdiness and resilience. Constructed primarily with sticks, a Bald Eagle nest measures approximately 6 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height. The male collects the materials, including sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, while the female takes charge of nest assembly.
Notably, Bald Eagles construct the largest nests of any bird species in North America.
In the wild, females lay one to three eggs per year, although captive individuals may lay up to seven eggs. The parents share the incubation duties, taking turns for a period of thirty-five days. While one parent incubates, the other embarks on hunting expeditions to provide food for its partner.
Interesting Fact: The Bald Eagle has held the status of the national symbol of America since 1782. Despite its name, the term “bald” referred to the bird’s white head and tail rather than a lack of feathers.
2. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle, although not as prevalent in Alaska, can still be observed during the summer season from March to mid-October. It appears on approximately 1% of summer checklists. However, some individuals choose to reside in Alaska throughout the year.
Golden Eagles represent the most geographically widespread eagle species worldwide. Their golden-brown crown and nape offer a breathtaking spectacle when bathed in the perfect light. Darker brown bodies contrast with pale flight feathers. Eye color varies from light yellow to dark brown, while their yellow cere connects their beak to their forehead. The bill culminates in a dark tip.
While adult Golden Eagles bear a striking resemblance, females exceed males in size. Juveniles also possess similar traits, albeit with a darker coloration, occasionally appearing black on their backs. They exhibit white patches on the undersides of their wings and hints of white 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 breeding in Canada and Alaska embark on southward migrations during winter, reaching the United States and northern Mexico. However, individuals residing in western U.S. states remain in their territories throughout the year.
To catch a glimpse of Golden Eagles, one must venture into mountainous habitats situated well above the treeline. They also inhabit canyons, riverside cliffs, and bluffs while nesting. Generally, they prefer areas devoid of significant human presence.
If you possess an adventurous spirit and harbor no fear of heights, you might enjoy viewing the world from the perspective of a Golden Eagle through the captivating video provided below.
As predatory birds, Golden Eagles naturally prey upon small to medium-sized animals, including rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they exhibit the prowess to capture larger prey such as cranes, swans, and domestic livestock. They usually hunt in pairs, with one eagle pursuing the prey until exhaustion sets in, allowing the other to swoop in for the final strike.
Golden Eagles vocalize primarily during the breeding season when chicks beg for food, eliciting responses from their parents. Outside of this period, they maintain a relatively quiet demeanor, punctuated only by occasional high-pitched whistling calls.
Golden Eagle nests tend to be situated at high elevations, often perched on cliffs. However, they may also choose trees or man-made structures such as observation towers, nesting platforms, or even windmills. The lofty placement allows the parents to maintain a comprehensive view of their nesting and hunting domains.
Nest construction requires one to three months, with Golden Eagles relying on sticks and plant materials. Aromatic leaves are added to the nest lining to deter insects and other pests. These nests endure for several years, expanding in size as the adults continue to enhance them with additional materials.
In the wild, females lay one to three eggs, and both parents share the incubation duties for a duration of forty-one to forty-five days. The hatching process takes approximately 37 hours.
Interesting Fact: The Golden Eagle, along with the Rough-legged Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, stands as one of the few American birds of prey possessing feathers that extend down their legs to their toes.
3. White-tailed Eagle
White-tailed Eagles represent rare or accidental sightings in Alaska, with occasional appearances recorded mainly during summer from May to October. Recent sightings have been documented around Lopp Lagoon and St. Paul Island.
This impressive species, potentially boasting the largest wingspan among all living eagles, holds a significant presence. Dark brown bodies are complemented by paler shades of brown on the heads, necks, and upper breasts, adorned with streaks of white. Yellow eyes, a short hooked yellow beak, white wedge-shaped tails, and yellow feet complete their distinct features. Older individuals may exhibit whitish heads.
Juvenile White-tailed Eagles showcase darker brown plumage accented by irregular patches or streaks of whitish coloration across their bodies. Their bills and tails adopt a darker shade. It takes approximately four to five years for these juveniles to attain the full adult plumage.
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus albicilla
- Length: 31 – 40 inches (79 – 102 cm)
- Weight: 194 ounces (5498 g)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
White-tailed Eagles find more common habitats across Europe and Asia, but they have been known to venture into North America, particularly the western shores of Alaska.
Rocky coastlines near expansive bodies of water serve as prime locations for encountering White-tailed Eagles. During winter, they migrate to low coastal regions and coastal marshes. Forested areas with large, mature trees or cliffs near lakes, rivers, and seas are essential for nesting purposes.
On occasion, White-tailed Eagles may venture into human-inhabited environments, provided they can access food without disturbance from human activity.
White-tailed Eagles possess remarkable predatory skills, preying on fish, birds, and mammals opportunistically. Fish comprise their primary dietary preference, which they capture while flying from perches or during low-altitude flight. They are also skilled at walking on shallow water and fishing from the shores. Additionally, they are known to pilfer food from other birds foraging near their territories.
When hunting birds, White-tailed Eagles employ stealth and low flight to surprise their prey. They frequently target diving ducks, wearing them down until they become too weak to resist. Nestlings and juvenile birds also fall within their purview. During lean winter months, they are not averse to consuming carrion or decaying animals.
White-tailed Eagles communicate through various calls, allowing them to convey information and maintain social interactions.
White-tailed Eagle nests are commonly found in large trees, nestled between branches, supported by the main fork, or situated within the canopy or a prominent side branch. Their lofty placement serves the purpose of providing a wide vantage point overlooking the nest’s surroundings and hunting grounds. However, in some cases, they may construct nests on sea cliffs or other rocky formations, even when trees are available.
The male White-tailed Eagle collects the necessary materials, primarily sticks and branches, as well as lichen, moss, seaweed, and ferns for interior lining. The female takes charge of nest construction. It is not uncommon for White-tailed Eagles to build alternate nests, sometimes numbering as high as 11, although pairs typically maintain around 2 nests.
In the wild, females lay one to three eggs, which undergo incubation for approximately forty days. While the eggs develop, the male actively hunts for food, ensuring the female receives sustenance even after hatching for up to three weeks. Subsequently, the female also participates in hunting activities. As the young eagles begin to fledge, the parents may provide some sustenance, but they encourage independent hunting skills.
Fascinating Fact: The White-tailed Eagle experienced extinction in Europe due to human activities. Overhunting, poisoning, and the destruction of their nests contributed to their decline. However, with dedicated conservation efforts and governmental protections, their populations have experienced a remarkable recovery.
4. Steller’s Sea-Eagle
Steller’s Sea-Eagles represent vulnerable species in Alaska, with sightings being relatively rare within the state. They have been observed around St. George Island and King Salmon.
Possibly the largest bird within the Haliaeetus genus and potentially the heaviest eagle worldwide, Steller’s Sea-Eagle can weigh between 5 to 9 kilograms, with females typically surpassing males in weight.
Distinguishing features include a white forehead, yellow eyes with dark pupils, and an impressively large, yellow hooked bill. Their bodies showcase a dark-brown or black hue, complemented by white shoulders, belly, wings, legs, and tail. Yellow feet equipped with sharp talons complete their formidable appearance.
Juvenile Steller’s Sea-Eagles closely resemble adults but lack the white shoulder patches. Additionally, the tips of their tails adopt a darker shade. It takes approximately four years for them to acquire the full plumage of adults.
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus pelagicus
- Length: 42 – 45 inches (107 – 114 cm)
- Weight: 273.6 ounces (7754 g)
- Wingspan: 86 – 98 inches (218 – 249 cm)
Steller’s Sea-Eagles typically inhabit rocky seacoasts and rivers in northeastern Siberia, Russia. During winter, they migrate to coastal regions in Korea, Japan, and China, as well as lakes near the coast. While their primary range lies within these areas, occasional ventures into North America have been observed.
Steller’s Sea-Eagles exhibit a strong preference for fish, particularly river-dwelling species such as salmon and trout, which they capture in shallow water. They also scavenge on salmon that have completed their spawning cycle, as these deceased fish provide an abundant food source in areas with unfrozen water during autumn.
In other regions, they may prey upon water birds like ducks, geese, swans, and cranes. Mammals also form a part of their diet, with American mink, Arctic foxes, red foxes, and small domestic dogs ranking among their favored targets.
Steller’s Sea-Eagles communicate through various calls, enabling them to convey specific messages and engage in social interactions.
Steller’s Sea-Eagle nests, known as “aeries,” are typically constructed atop trees or rocky outcrops, reaching heights of up to 100 feet above the ground. While elevated, they remain within close proximity to water sources, facilitating easy access to food for the nestlings.
Nest building involves the use of sturdy sticks and branches. As the nests are often reused, additional sticks and branches are incorporated to maintain their durability.
Within their chosen nest, females lay one to three eggs. Incubation lasts approximately forty-five days. After hatching, the chicks rely on parental protection, requiring several months to attain the ability to fly.
Steller’s Sea-Eagles face threats to their survival, including habitat destruction, industrial pollution, and overfishing, leading to their classification as a “Vulnerable” species.
Fascinating Fact: Steller’s Sea-Eagles exhibit the peculiar behavior of constructing alternate nests. This is a precautionary measure in case the primary nest becomes too heavy, potentially causing branches to break under the weight.