Connecticut has become the dwelling place for two out of the four eagle species found in North America. The renowned Bald Eagle and the majestic Golden Eagle have been observed in the area.
Eagles, known as the regal rulers of the skies due to their impressive size and strength, have forged a profound connection with humans, both mentally and physically.
These awe-inspiring birds have garnered great reverence from humans, who have embraced them as symbols of power and might. Throughout history, eagles have been enlisted to aid in the pursuit of hunting.
Alas, our treatment of these magnificent creatures has not always been benevolent. We have subjected them to persecution and ravaged their habitats to such an extent that numerous species teetered on the brink of extinction.
It is fascinating to note that eagles possess the remarkable ability to carry loads up to four times their own body weight.
The world is home to an astonishing array of 60 eagle species, making them some of the largest avian beings. In general, females tend to surpass males in size.
If you have a keen interest in birds of prey, it would be worthwhile to explore informative guides about hawks and vultures residing in Connecticut. Additionally, you can witness the captivating spectacle of eagle nesting through live cameras while uncovering incredible facts about the Bald Eagle.
This comprehensive guide serves as an aid in identifying the various eagle species that grace Connecticut, drawing on avibase data and insights provided by dedicated bird enthusiasts on ebird.
2 Eagle Species in Connecticut
1. The Bald Eagle
Bald Eagles can be observed throughout the year in Connecticut, with their numbers notably increasing during the winter season. They have been sighted in approximately 2% of checklists during summer and 4% during winter, as reported by vigilant bird watchers in the state.
The Bald Eagle, a widely recognized raptor, possesses a distinctive appearance. It boasts a snowy white head, piercing yellow eyes, and a formidable hooked bill, also yellow in hue. Its chocolate-brown body contrasts with its yellow legs adorned with formidable talons.
Females share a striking resemblance to males, albeit being approximately 25% larger. Juvenile Bald Eagles sport dark brown heads and bodies adorned with sporadic patches or streaks of white until they reach their fifth year of life.
- Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Length: 34 – 43 inches (86 – 109 cm)
- Weight: 168 ounces (4761 g)
- Wingspan: 72 – 96 inches (183 – 244 cm)
Bald Eagles primarily breed in Canada and subsequently migrate to the United States during winter. Nevertheless, some individuals choose to remain in their wintering grounds year-round, particularly in coastal regions.
During their breeding season, Bald Eagles can be found in wetland environments. They seek out expansive bodies of water teeming with fish, which provide ideal hunting grounds.
When nesting, roosting, or perching, Bald Eagles require tall, mature trees offering excellent visibility and an open structure that allows them to survey the forest floor. Proximity to water, especially during nesting, is crucial.
In winter, Bald Eagles congregate around unfrozen bodies of water with ample perching spots and an abundant fish supply. In the absence of unfrozen water sources, they gather in open habitats where medium-sized mammals, such as those found in prairies and meadows, can serve as alternative prey.
Bald Eagles exhibit opportunistic feeding behavior and adapt their diet based on the available resources. They favor fish as their primary food source, displaying a preference for larger species like trout and salmon. They either catch fish themselves or engage in kleptoparasitism, snatching them from other birds. Occasionally, they consume carrion, including deceased fish.
They also target medium to large-sized birds such as ducks, herons, owls, and geese. In winter, when fishing opportunities diminish, Bald Eagles shift their focus to mammals. They begin by targeting weak, dying, or juvenile prey. Rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, and deer fawns fall within their hunting repertoire.
Bald Eagle Calls: Curiously, the high-pitched whistle emitted by Bald Eagles does not match their imposing size, leading to somewhat underwhelming vocalizations.
Bald Eagles construct large and sturdy nests capable of accommodating their substantial size and weight. These nests, built using sticks, reach a diameter of approximately 6 feet and a height of 4 feet. The male gathers the building materials, including sticks, grass, moss, and downy feathers, which are then assembled by the female.
Notably, Bald Eagle nests claim the title of North America’s largest among all bird species.
In the wild, females typically lay one to three eggs per year, although in captivity, they may lay up to seven eggs. The parents take turns incubating the eggs for a duration of 35 days. While one parent tends to the eggs, the other embarks on hunting expeditions to provide sustenance for its partner.
Fun Fact: Since 1782, the Bald Eagle has served as the national symbol of the United States. Interestingly, the name “bald” is a reference to its white head and tail, rather than an indication of actual baldness. The term “bald” used to mean “white” in earlier times.
2. The Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are relatively rare sights in Connecticut, with occasional winter sightings occurring between September and May.
Golden Eagles hold the distinction of being the most geographically widespread among all eagle species. Their crown and nape exhibit a captivating golden-brown hue, particularly striking when illuminated by the perfect lighting conditions.
Their bodies lean towards a darker shade of brown, adorned with pale flight feathers. The color of their eyes ranges from light yellow to deep brown. A yellow cere, the skin connecting the beak to the forehead, complements their bill, which appears dark at the tip.
While adult Golden Eagles share a similar appearance, females boast a larger size compared to males. Juvenile Golden Eagles also resemble adults, but their darker coloring sometimes gives them an almost black appearance on the back. They display white patches on the undersides of their wings and sporadic white markings on the tail.
- 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 migrate south during winter, making their way to the United States and northern Mexico. However, Golden Eagles in western U.S. states remain in their habitats year-round.
Golden Eagles predominantly inhabit mountainous regions situated high above the tree line. They also frequent canyons, cliffs along riversides, and bluffs when seeking nesting locations. These birds generally prefer to avoid areas with high human activity.
For those brave enough not to fear heights, the video below offers a bird’s-eye view of a typical day in the life of a Golden Eagle!
As birds of prey, Golden Eagles naturally prey upon animals ranging from small to medium in size, such as rabbits, prairie dogs, and hares. On occasion, they showcase their prowess by hunting and capturing larger prey, including cranes, swans, and domestic livestock. They often engage in cooperative hunting, with one eagle pursuing the prey until exhaustion while the other swoops in for the final strike.
Golden Eagle Call: Golden Eagles emit calls primarily during the breeding season, when chicks vocalize their demands, eliciting responses from their attentive parents. Outside of the breeding season, they tend to remain rather quiet, occasionally producing high-pitched whistled calls.
Golden Eagle nests typically occupy elevated locations, such as cliffs. However, they may also construct nests in trees or artificial structures like observation towers, nesting platforms, and even windmills. The lofty positioning of their nests grants the parents an extensive view of their nesting and hunting territories.
Building a Golden Eagle nest requires one to three months, with sticks and plant materials forming the foundational structure. Aromatic leaves are added to the nest to deter insects and other pests. These nests are reused for multiple years, growing in size as the adult eagles continually contribute additional materials.
The female Golden Eagle lays one to three eggs, with both parents sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs for a period of forty-one to forty-five days. Within 37 hours, the chick hatches from its egg, commencing its journey into the world.
Fun Fact: The Golden Eagle, along with the Rough-legged Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, are the sole birds of prey in America adorned with feathers extending down to their toes.