Eagles are among the most powerful and awe-inspiring birds in North America, and in Wisconsin, their presence is both a natural wonder and a conservation success story. For many people, spotting an eagle, especially the iconic Bald Eagle, is a memorable experience. These birds soar high above rivers, lakes, and forests, scanning the landscape with sharp eyes and a calm intensity. In recent decades, eagle populations in Wisconsin have not only recovered from near extinction but are now thriving across much of the state.
While the Bald Eagle is the most common and widely recognized eagle species in Wisconsin, the state also hosts the occasional Golden Eagle, especially during the colder months. Each species has its own unique story, habits, and seasonal patterns that make watching them especially rewarding for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the eagle species that live in or visit Wisconsin. We’ll explore where to find them, how to tell them apart, and what their presence says about the health of our natural spaces. Whether you’ve seen one fly overhead or are hoping to spot your first, Wisconsin’s eagles are worth learning about and protecting.
1. Bald Eagle
- Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Life span: 20-30 years
- Size: 2.5 to 3 feet (0.7 to 0.9 meters)
- Weight: 6.6 to 13,8 lbs (3 to 6.3 kg)
- Wingspan: 66 to 96 in (165 to 244 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Many stay year-round; others migrate in late fall.
The Bald Eagle is one of the most widely recognized birds in North America and a powerful symbol of strength and independence. It can be found throughout much of the continent, including Alaska, Canada, and across the contiguous United States. In Wisconsin, the species has made a remarkable comeback, especially along rivers, lakes, and reservoirs where it prefers to nest and perch in tall trees. Bald Eagles are most easily recognized by their striking adult plumage: a snow-white head and tail contrasted by a dark brown body and wings.
Their large, hooked yellow beak and fierce eyes give them a commanding presence. Juvenile Bald Eagles, however, lack the white head and tail for their first few years and are mostly dark with mottled white patches. Their soaring flight pattern, holding their wings flat like a plank, helps distinguish them from other large birds. Observing them perched high in a tree or gliding silently over water is a common and welcome sight in many parts of Wisconsin today.
Their return to the state is considered one of the greatest conservation success stories, and their bold, steady presence continues to inspire awe in those lucky enough to spot them in the wild.
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive nests, often built in tall, sturdy trees near large bodies of water. These nests, called eyries, are constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials like moss and grass. Over the years, eagles may reuse and add to the same nest, resulting in massive structures that can weigh over a ton and measure up to 10 feet in diameter.
In Wisconsin, nesting typically begins in late winter, with egg-laying occurring between February and April. Both parents share incubation duties, and eaglets hatch after about 35 days. The young remain in the nest for approximately 10 to 12 weeks before fledging. The proximity to water is crucial, as it provides a steady food supply and suitable perching sites. The recovery of Bald Eagle populations in Wisconsin has led to nesting pairs being documented in all 72 counties, a testament to successful conservation efforts.
Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, making Wisconsin’s abundant lakes and rivers ideal hunting grounds. They are opportunistic feeders and will also consume birds, small mammals, and carrion when fish are scarce. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great distances, and they are known to snatch fish from the water’s surface with their powerful talons. In addition to hunting, Bald Eagles may scavenge or steal food from other birds, such as ospreys.
During winter, when open water is limited, they often congregate near dams or areas with flowing water that doesn’t freeze, ensuring access to fish. Their adaptable diet and hunting strategies have contributed to their resilience and successful recolonization of habitats across Wisconsin.
The Bald Eagle’s journey from the brink of extinction to a conservation success story is remarkable. In the mid-20th century, populations plummeted due to habitat loss, illegal shooting, and the detrimental effects of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failures. By the 1970s, only a handful of nesting pairs remained in Wisconsin.
The banning of DDT in 1972, coupled with legal protections under the Endangered Species Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, paved the way for recovery. Conservation initiatives, including habitat preservation, public education, and monitoring programs, further bolstered their resurgence. By 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list. Today, Wisconsin boasts a thriving Bald Eagle population, with nests documented in every county, reflecting decades of dedicated conservation work.
2. Golden Eagle
- Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
- Life span: 30 years
- Size: 26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm)
- Weight: 6.4 to 13.2 lb (2.9 to 6 kg)
- Wingspan: 70 to 90 in (180 to 230 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves Wisconsin by early March after wintering.
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike the Bald Eagle, which is more common in the eastern U.S., Golden Eagles are more typically associated with the western half of North America. However, during the winter months, a small number migrate into the upper Midwest, including parts of western and southern Wisconsin. These winter visitors prefer open terrain such as bluffs, ridges, and remote forest edges.
Adult Golden Eagles are uniformly dark brown, with a golden wash over the back of the head and neck, which gives them their name. Their strong build, long tail, and large wingspan contribute to an imposing figure in the sky. Unlike Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles lack a white head or tail at any age. Juveniles can be identified by white patches at the base of their tail and wings.
Spotting a Golden Eagle in Wisconsin is a rarer event and often requires some effort and patience. Still, those who visit the Driftless Area in winter may be rewarded with a glimpse of this elusive raptor gliding silently along a ridgeline or circling high above open countryside. Their presence adds a sense of wilderness to Wisconsin’s winter skies.
Golden Eagles are not known to breed in Wisconsin; instead, they nest in remote, mountainous regions of western North America. Their nests are typically built on cliffs or in tall trees, constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials like grass and moss. Golden Eagles exhibit strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting sites year after year.
In Wisconsin, these majestic birds are primarily winter visitors, arriving in the Driftless Area during the colder months. Their presence in the state is part of a broader migratory pattern, with individuals traveling from breeding grounds in Canada and the western U.S. to wintering habitats that offer suitable prey and open terrain. While they do not nest in Wisconsin, their seasonal visits are a testament to the state’s diverse and rich ecosystems that can support such apex predators during part of their annual cycle.
Golden Eagles are formidable predators with a diet primarily consisting of medium-sized mammals. In Wisconsin, during their winter stay, they hunt animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and wild turkeys. They are also known to scavenge carrion, including deer carcasses, especially when live prey is scarce. Unlike Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles rarely feed on fish and are less inclined to scavenge from other birds.
Their hunting strategy involves soaring over open landscapes to spot prey, followed by a swift, powerful dive to capture it with their sharp talons. This predatory prowess makes them well-suited to the open terrains of southwestern Wisconsin, where they can utilize their keen eyesight and flight capabilities to hunt effectively.
Golden Eagles have not faced the same level of conservation challenges in Wisconsin as Bald Eagles, primarily because they do not breed in the state and are less common. However, they are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits the disturbance or harm of these birds. In recent years, efforts have been made to monitor their wintering populations in Wisconsin, particularly in the Driftless Area.
Citizen science projects and collaborations between organizations have led to increased awareness and data collection on these elusive raptors. Understanding their migratory patterns, habitat use, and population trends is crucial for their conservation. While not currently endangered, ongoing research and habitat preservation are essential to ensure that Golden Eagles continue to grace Wisconsin’s skies during the winter months.
Where to find Eagles in Wisconsin
Seeing an eagle in the wild is a special moment, and in Wisconsin, it’s easier than you might think, especially if you know where and when to look. Bald Eagles can be found year-round, especially near lakes and rivers where they hunt for fish. Winter is a great time to spot them, as they gather around open water where food is still available. Bring a pair of binoculars, dress warmly, and look for large dark birds perched in trees near the shoreline or soaring overhead.
One of the best places to see them is Prairie du Sac, along the Wisconsin River, where hundreds of eagles gather in January and February. Merrill in north-central Wisconsin also hosts regular eagle sightings, especially near the Wisconsin River. Lake Pepin, along the Mississippi River, offers high cliffs and open water, ideal for eagle viewing. For a more rugged experience, head to the Coulee Region in the Driftless Area, where both Bald and rare Golden Eagles are spotted in winter.
Plan your visit around morning hours when eagles are most active. Quiet observation from a distance is best, eagles don’t like being disturbed. Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just curious, Wisconsin offers memorable eagle-watching opportunities.
Conclusion
Eagles are more than just powerful birds, they are living symbols of wildness and resilience. In Wisconsin, both Bald and Golden Eagles offer remarkable opportunities to connect with nature, whether you’re watching a Bald Eagle soar over a frozen river or spotting a rare Golden Eagle in the Driftless hills.
Their presence speaks to successful conservation efforts and the richness of the state’s natural landscapes. As these birds continue to thrive or visit seasonally, they remind us of the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on for future generations to experience and enjoy.
