Colorado has been graced with the presence of two out of the four eagle species found in North America. These majestic birds, namely the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle, hold a prominent position as the rulers of the skies, captivating both our minds and bodies.
Eagles have earned immense reverence from humans, who recognize their immense power and have embraced them as symbols of strength and might. Throughout history, we have utilized their prowess to aid us in the art of hunting.
Regrettably, our treatment of these magnificent creatures has not always been benevolent. We have subjected them to persecution and have callously destroyed their habitats, pushing several species to the brink of extinction.
It is astonishing to note that eagles possess the incredible ability to carry objects up to four times their own body weight.
Across the globe, there exist 60 diverse species of eagles, known for their impressive size among the avian community. Generally, females tend to be larger than males.
If you harbor an interest in birds of prey, I encourage you to explore the comprehensive guides on hawks and vultures in Colorado. Additionally, witness the captivating spectacle of eagle nesting through live cameras and uncover fascinating facts about the Bald Eagle.
To aid your identification of the eagle species spotted in Colorado, this informative guide utilizes data collected from avid birdwatchers on ebird and avibase, providing authentic information regarding the birds’ presence in the area.
2 Species of Eagles in Colorado
1. Bald Eagle
Soaring gracefully through the skies, the Bald Eagle is a sight to behold. These remarkable birds can be observed year-round in Colorado, with their numbers swelling during the winter months from October to May. Birdwatchers have recorded their presence in 3% of summer checklists and 12% of winter checklists submitted for the state.
The Bald Eagle, a renowned bird of prey, boasts a resplendent white head, piercing yellow eyes, and a formidable hooked yellow bill. Its body is adorned with a chocolate brown hue, while its legs bear a vibrant shade of yellow, complemented by their massive talons.
Females bear a striking resemblance to their male counterparts, albeit being approximately 25% larger. Juveniles, on the other hand, display dark brown heads and bodies adorned with varying degrees of white mottling or streaking until they reach their fifth year.
- 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 before migrating to the United States for the winter. Nevertheless, some individuals remain resident throughout the year, especially in coastal regions.
During the breeding season, you can find Bald Eagles in wetland environments, preferably near open and expansive bodies of water teeming with fish. To facilitate their nesting, roosting, and perching activities, these regal birds require tall, mature trees with ample visibility and an open structure that allows them to observe the forest floor. Proximity to water, particularly during nesting, is crucial.
In winter, Bald Eagles congregate in regions abundant in perches near unfrozen water, which is essential for sustaining a bountiful supply of fish. In the absence of unfrozen water sources, these eagles seek open habitats containing medium-sized mammals, such as prairies and meadows.
Bald Eagles display opportunistic feeding habits, adapting to the available food sources in their environment. Fish, particularly large ones like trout and salmon, constitute their favored sustenance. They may catch these fish themselves or cunningly pilfer them from other birds. Carrion, including deceased fish, also serves as part of their diet.
Furthermore, Bald Eagles prey on medium to large-sized birds like ducks, herons, owls, and geese. In the winter, when fishing becomes less lucrative, they turn to mammals for sustenance, primarily targeting weak, dying, or young prey. Their repertoire expands to include rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and deer fawns.
Amidst their impressive stature, the squeak emitted by Bald Eagles defies expectations, as it produces a somewhat underwhelming high-pitched whistle.
The nests constructed by Bald Eagles are both spacious and sturdy, designed to accommodate their size and weight. These remarkable structures consist of sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, with a diameter of approximately 6 feet and a height of 4 feet. While the male is responsible for gathering the materials, the female skillfully weaves them together.
Notably, Bald Eagle nests are recognized as the largest among all bird species in North America.
In the wild, females may lay one to three eggs per year, while captive individuals have been known to produce up to seven eggs. The parents diligently take turns incubating the eggs for a period of thirty-five days. When one is incubating, the other embarks on a hunting expedition to procure food for its partner.
Fun Fact: Despite its name, the Bald Eagle is not actually bald. The term “bald” in its name is derived from an archaic usage that meant “white,” referring to its distinctive white head and tail feathers. Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has proudly served as the national symbol of America.
2. Golden Eagle
Perching regally in the Colorado landscape, the Golden Eagle represents another captivating species. These magnificent birds can be found in Colorado throughout the year, appearing on approximately 2% of both summer and winter checklists.
Golden Eagles hold the distinction of being the most widespread eagles across the globe. Their golden-brown crown and nape exude an ethereal beauty, particularly when bathed in the perfect light. Their bodies, darker in hue, are adorned with pale flight feathers. The color of their eyes ranges from light yellow to dark brown, and their bills possess a yellow cere with a dark tip.
While adults exhibit similar characteristics, females outshine their male counterparts in terms of size. Juveniles share many resemblances as well, but their coloration tends to be darker, sometimes appearing black on their backs. The undersides of their wings boast white patches, and their tails may also feature white markings.
- 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 undertake migratory journeys to the United States and northern Mexico for the winter. However, Golden Eagles inhabiting western US states remain in their territories year-round.
To catch a glimpse of Golden Eagles, venture into mountainous habitats that reach beyond the treeline. These majestic creatures also make their presence known in canyons, riverside cliffs, and bluffs during the nesting period, generally preferring to steer clear of human disturbances.
If you possess a fearlessness of heights, I recommend watching the video below for a bird’s-eye view of a Golden Eagle’s daily routine!
As birds of prey, Golden Eagles naturally target small to medium-sized animals, including rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they exhibit their predatory prowess by hunting larger prey such as cranes, swans, and even domestic livestock. Typically, Golden Eagles hunt in pairs, with one member tirelessly pursuing the prey until exhaustion sets in, at which point the other swoops in for the final strike.
The vocal repertoire of Golden Eagles primarily emerges during the breeding season when the chicks beg for sustenance, eliciting responses from their diligent parents. Apart from these interactions, Golden Eagles generally maintain a relatively quiet demeanor, punctuated only by occasional high-pitched whistled calls.
The nests of Golden Eagles predominantly find their perch at great heights, nestled within cliffs. However, these resourceful birds also construct their abodes in trees or artificial structures such as observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. Elevated locations provide the parents with an extensive view of their nesting and hunting territories.
The construction of a Golden Eagle’s nest requires anywhere from one to three months, utilizing a combination of sticks and plant materials. To ward off insects and pests, the parents line their nests with aromatic leaves. These nests remain in use for multiple years, continually expanding in size as the adults incorporate additional materials.
A female Golden Eagle typically lays one to three eggs, with the parents diligently taking turns in incubating them for a duration of forty-one to forty-five days. In a mere 37 hours, the hatched chick emerges from its shell, marking the beginning of its journey in the world.
Fun Fact: Among American birds of prey, the Golden Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk possess a unique distinction. They are the sole representatives adorned with feathers that extend down to their legs, enveloping their toes.