California has witnessed the presence of two out of the four eagle species found in North America. These magnificent birds, known as the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, hold a significant position as the esteemed rulers of the sky. Their grandeur and strength have established a profound connection with humanity, both emotionally and physically.
Throughout history, humans have held eagles in high regard, recognizing their might and utilizing them as symbols of power and fortitude. Not only have we revered them, but we have also sought their assistance in hunting endeavors.
However, our treatment of these noble creatures has not always been benevolent. Regrettably, we have persecuted them and ravaged their habitats, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.
It is astonishing to witness the extraordinary strength of eagles, as they possess the ability to carry objects up to four times their own weight.
The avian world boasts a total of 60 eagle species, with these majestic creatures being among the largest birds to grace the skies. In most cases, the females of the species surpass their male counterparts in size.
If you hold a fascination for birds of prey, I encourage you to explore comprehensive guides dedicated to hawks and vultures in California. Moreover, indulge in the captivating spectacle of eagle nesting by watching live camera feeds and uncovering fascinating facts about the Bald Eagle.
This guide will serve as a valuable resource for identifying the various types of eagles spotted in California. It draws its information from avibase and collects data contributed by avid bird watchers on ebird, providing real and reliable insights into the timings and locations of these birds’ sightings.
California’s Eagle Species: A Pair to Behold
1. The Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles, with their awe-inspiring presence, can be observed throughout the year in California. Bird watchers have recorded their sightings in approximately 2% of checklists submitted during both summer and winter seasons.
The Bald Eagle, an eminent raptor, is instantly recognizable by its snowy white head, captivating yellow eyes, and its imposing, hooked yellow bill. The rest of its body showcases a rich chocolate brown color, complemented by yellow legs adorned with formidable talons.
While females bear a striking resemblance to males, they tend to be approximately 25% larger in size. Juveniles, on the other hand, possess dark brown heads and bodies, adorned with 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 during winter. However, some individuals choose to remain in California year-round, particularly in coastal regions.
During their breeding season, Bald Eagles can be found in wetland environments that offer abundant fish populations. They require tall, mature trees with open structures for nesting, roosting, and perching, providing optimal visibility of the forest floor. Proximity to water, especially during the nesting period, is crucial.
In winter, Bald Eagles congregate in areas with unfrozen water bodies, plentiful perches, and an abundance of fish. When unfrozen water sources become scarce, these eagles venture into open habitats housing medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows.
Bald Eagles display opportunistic feeding behavior and adapt their diet to the available resources in their surroundings. They exhibit a preference for large fish, including trout and salmon, which they may capture themselves or pilfer from other birds. Additionally, they occasionally consume carrion, including deceased fish. These eagles also target medium to large-sized birds, such as ducks, herons, owls, and geese. In the winter, when fishing becomes less lucrative, they shift their focus to mammals, primarily targeting weak, dying, or young prey. Their prey list includes rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and deer fawns.
Interestingly, the Bald Eagle’s vocalizations are not proportional to its imposing size, as they emit rather underwhelming high-pitched whistles!
Nests built by Bald Eagles are robust and spacious, designed to accommodate their substantial size and weight. Constructed with sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, these stick nests boast a diameter of around 6 feet and a height of 4 feet. The male takes charge of gathering the building materials, while the female skillfully assembles them.
In terms of North American avian species, the nests of Bald Eagles hold the distinction of being the largest.
In the wild, female Bald Eagles may lay one to three eggs annually, with captive individuals occasionally producing up to seven eggs. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, taking turns for a duration of thirty-five days. The non-incubating partner ventures out in search of food to sustain the other.
Fascinating Fact: The Bald Eagle has held the esteemed position of being the national symbol of the United States since 1782. Although the term “bald” may suggest a lack of feathers, it actually refers to the bird’s white head and tail, as the older definition of “bald” signified “white.”
2. The Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles grace the Californian landscape throughout the year, although their numbers noticeably increase during the winter season, spanning from October to April. Approximately 1% of winter checklists include sightings of these remarkable creatures.
As the most widely distributed eagles worldwide, Golden Eagles are a captivating sight with their golden-brown crown and nape, exuding an enchanting aura when illuminated by the right light.
Their bodies exhibit a darker shade of brown, adorned with pale flight feathers. Eye color varies, ranging from light yellow to dark brown. These eagles possess a yellow cere, the skin on their beak that connects to the forehead, and their bills feature dark tips.
While adult Golden Eagles share a similar appearance, the females surpass the males in size. Juveniles sport a darker hue, occasionally appearing black on their backs. They also display white patches on the undersides of 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 breeding in Canada and Alaska embark on migratory journeys to the United States and northern Mexico during winter. However, Golden Eagles residing in western US states remain in their habitats throughout the year.
These majestic birds can be found in mountainous landscapes, soaring high above the treelines. They also inhabit canyons, cliffs along riversides, and bluffs for nesting purposes. Generally, Golden Eagles prefer to keep their distance from human presence.
For a bird’s-eye view of a Golden Eagle’s daily activities, you can explore a captivating video below, provided you have no fear of heights!
Given their status as birds of prey, Golden Eagles naturally prey upon animals of small to medium sizes, such as rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they display their prowess by hunting and taking down larger creatures like cranes, swans, and even domestic livestock. They often hunt in pairs, employing a strategy where one eagle chases the prey until exhaustion, allowing the other to swoop in for the final strike.
The vocal repertoire of Golden Eagles primarily consists of calls during the breeding season when chicks vocalize their needs and parents respond. Otherwise, they maintain a relatively quiet demeanor, occasionally emitting high-pitched whistles.
Nests constructed by Golden Eagles are typically situated at high elevations, often on cliffs. However, they are known to build nests in trees or artificial structures such as observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. These lofty locations provide a wide vantage point, granting the parents a comprehensive view of their nesting and hunting territories.
Building a Golden Eagle nest requires one to three months, involving the meticulous arrangement of sticks and plant materials. The nests are lined with aromatic leaves, serving as a natural deterrent against insects and other pests. Over the years, these nests undergo expansion as the adults continue to add more materials.
The female Golden Eagle lays one to three eggs, and the parents take turns incubating them for a period of forty-one to forty-five days. Within 37 hours, the hatching process is completed, and a new life emerges from the egg.
Fascinating Fact: The Golden Eagle, along with the Rough-legged Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, possesses feathers on its legs that extend all the way to its toes, setting these American birds of prey apart from others.