In Arizona, a sighting has occurred of two out of the four eagle species native to North America. These remarkable avian creatures, known as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, possess a majestic aura due to their impressive size and immense power. Throughout history, humans have held a profound admiration for these eagles, acknowledging their strength and utilizing them as symbols of dominance and might. Additionally, they have been employed in the pursuit of hunting.
Unfortunately, our treatment of these magnificent birds has not always been benevolent. Regrettably, humans have subjected eagles to persecution and destruction of their habitats, nearly driving certain species to the brink of extinction. Nevertheless, eagles possess incredible capabilities, as they can transport items weighing up to four times their own body weight.
On a global scale, there exist 60 distinct species of eagles, characterized by their substantial size. Typically, female eagles surpass their male counterparts in terms of physical dimensions. For individuals captivated by birds of prey, it would be worthwhile to explore comprehensive guides pertaining to hawks and vultures residing in Arizona. Furthermore, one can witness the awe-inspiring nesting endeavors of eagles through live cameras, all while uncovering intriguing facts about the Bald Eagle.
To aid enthusiasts in identifying the eagle species encountered in Arizona, this guide draws upon the extensive avibase database and incorporates data provided by avid bird watchers on ebird, offering genuine insights into the optimal periods for observing these majestic birds.
Two Distinct Eagle Species within Arizona
1. The Bald Eagle
As a permanent resident of Arizona, the Bald Eagle can be sighted throughout the year, with their numbers increasing during the winter months from September to May. According to checklists submitted by bird watchers, Bald Eagles are recorded in approximately 1% of summer checklists and 2% of winter checklists in the state.
The Bald Eagle, renowned as a prominent raptor, showcases a distinctive appearance. Its features include a white head, yellow eyes, and a sizeable hooked bill colored in a vibrant shade of yellow. The remainder of its body exhibits a rich chocolate brown hue, while its legs display a striking yellow shade, complemented by formidable talons.
Although females bear a resemblance to males, they tend to be around 25% larger in size. Juvenile Bald Eagles possess dark brown heads and bodies adorned with varying patterns of white mottling or streaks, until reaching maturity around their fifth year.
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Length: 34 – 43 inches (86 – 109 cm)
- Weight: 168 ounces (4761 grams)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Bald Eagles primarily breed in Canada before embarking on migratory journeys to the United States during winter. However, a fraction of the population remains in their resident habitats throughout the entire year, especially in coastal regions.
During their breeding season, Bald Eagles typically inhabit wetland environments. These birds are inclined to favor open, extensive bodies of water teeming with fish as their preferred hunting grounds. When engaging in nesting, roosting, or perching activities, Bald Eagles require tall, mature trees to ensure optimal visibility. Moreover, the structure of their surroundings must be open, facilitating an unobstructed view of the forest floor. Additionally, their nesting sites should be in close proximity to water, particularly during the nesting period.
In winter, Bald Eagles flock to regions offering an abundance of perches encompassing unfrozen water, thus providing plentiful fish stocks. In the absence of available unfrozen water sources, Bald Eagles congregate in open habitats featuring medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows.
As opportunistic feeders, Bald Eagles adapt their diet according to the resources available within their environment. Their preferred delicacy consists of fish, with a particular inclination towards larger species like trout and salmon. Bald Eagles may either hunt these fish independently or pilfer them from other birds. Additionally, they occasionally scavenge carrion, including deceased fish.
Medium to large-sized avian species, such as ducks, herons, owls, and geese, also find themselves on the menu for Bald Eagles. In winter, when fishing for sustenance becomes less fruitful, these eagles turn their attention to mammals. Initially, they target weak, dying, or juvenile prey, preying upon rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and even deer fawns.
Regarding vocalizations, the high-pitched whistle emitted by Bald Eagles may appear rather incongruous given their imposing stature.
The nests constructed by Bald Eagles boast impressive dimensions, designed to withstand their weight and size. These nests, assembled primarily from sticks, reach diameters of approximately 6 feet and heights of 4 feet. While the male gathers materials, such as sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, the female diligently arranges them to complete the structure.
Notably, the nests of Bald Eagles are deemed the largest among all bird species native to North America.
Within the wild, females generally lay between one to three eggs annually. In captive settings, their egg production may extend up to seven per year. Both parents assume the responsibility of incubating the eggs, alternating shifts for a period of 35 days. When one partner safeguards the eggs, the other embarks on hunting expeditions to procure food for their companion.
Fascinating Fact: Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has held the esteemed position of being America’s national symbol. Curiously, despite its name, the Bald Eagle does not exhibit baldness; rather, the term “bald” in older usage refers to “white,” alluding to the white feathers adorning its head and tail.
2. The Golden Eagle
While Golden Eagles are not particularly prevalent in Arizona, they do inhabit the state throughout the year.
Recognized as the most extensively distributed eagle species worldwide, the Golden Eagle displays a captivating golden-brown hue on its crown and nape. When illuminated by the appropriate lighting, these features are a sight to behold. The bird’s body possesses a darker shade of brown, accentuated by pale flight feathers. Eye coloration ranges from light yellow to dark brown. A yellow cere, which is the skin connecting the beak to the forehead, adorns their visage, while the tip of their bill displays a dark hue.
While adults exhibit similar appearances, females surpass males in terms of physical size. Juvenile Golden Eagles bear a resemblance to adults, yet often exhibit darker tones, occasionally appearing black on their back. Furthermore, they possess white patches on the undersides of their wings and display some white coloring on their tails.
- Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
- Length: 27 – 38 inches (69 – 97 cm)
- Weight: 160 ounces (4534 grams)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Golden Eagles that breed in Canada and Alaska embark on migratory journeys southwards, seeking refuge in the United States and northern Mexico during winter. Conversely, Golden Eagles residing in western US states remain in their habitats throughout the year.
Mountainous regions situated above treelines serve as favored habitats for Golden Eagles. Additionally, they can be found in canyons, cliffs along riversides, and bluffs during the nesting phase. These birds typically demonstrate a preference for locations devoid of human presence.
For those seeking a firsthand perspective of a Golden Eagle’s daily routine, an accompanying video is provided below, although acrophobic individuals may wish to exercise caution.
Given their predatory nature, Golden Eagles primarily prey upon small to medium-sized animals, including rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they exhibit the ability to hunt and subdue larger quarry, such as cranes, swans, and domestic livestock. Hunting in pairs, one eagle tirelessly pursues the prey until exhaustion, allowing the other to swoop in for the final act.
Golden Eagles vocalize most prominently during the breeding season when their chicks vociferously implore parental attention, receiving prompt responses. In other instances, these eagles maintain a rather quiet demeanor, emitting sporadic high-pitched whistles.
Golden Eagle nests typically occupy lofty positions, such as cliffs. However, these birds also construct nests in trees or artificial structures, such as observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. The elevated placement allows the parents to enjoy an extensive view of their nesting and hunting grounds.
The construction of Golden Eagle nests spans a duration of one to three months and primarily relies on sticks and plant material. To deter insects and other pests, the birds employ aromatic leaves to line their nests. Over time, these nests expand in size as the adults continually augment them with additional materials.
In the wild, females typically lay between one to three eggs. The incubation process, lasting from 41 to 45 days, involves shared responsibilities between both parents. Once the chick emerges from its egg, a mere 37 hours will have elapsed.
Fascinating Fact: The Golden Eagle, the Rough-legged Hawk, and the Ferruginous Hawk stand as the sole American birds of prey sporting feathers extending from their legs up to their toes.