North America hosts a small group of eagles, with four species recorded across the United States and Canada. All belong to the sea eagle and booted eagle lineage within the family Accipitridae, a group of large raptors that occupy a wide range of aquatic and open habitats. Two of these, the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, are native and regularly occurring across the continent, while the White-tailed Eagle and the Steller’s Sea Eagle are rare vagrants that appear only occasionally, mainly in Alaska and only exceptionally elsewhere. This guide introduces all four species and highlights the key features that help distinguish them in the field, with a focus on the two native eagles most observers are likely to encounter.
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Identification: Very large eagle with a heavy body, a massive beak, and in adults a stark contrast between a white head and tail and dark brown body and wings.
- Where found: Occurs widely across North America near large bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, wetlands, and coastal areas throughout the United States, Canada, and Alaska.
- How to spot: Look for slow, powerful wingbeats, long periods of soaring with wings held flat, frequent perching near water, and high-pitched, gull-like calls near nests or feeding sites.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations have increased strongly following past declines, though local threats from pollution, habitat disturbance, and lead exposure persist.
The Bald Eagle is the most familiar and iconic eagle in North America and one of the continent’s largest raptors. It is widespread and regularly observed across the United States and Canada, where it is closely associated with aquatic habitats. The species measures 71 to 96 centimeters (28.0 to 37.8 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 168 to 244 centimeters (66.1 to 96 inches), and birds from Alaska and northern Canada are noticeably larger than those from southern regions. It has a heavy body, a large head, and a massive hooked beak, giving it a commanding profile in flight and at rest.
Adult Bald Eagles are unmistakable, showing a dark brown body and wings that contrast sharply with a white head, white tail, and yellow beak, cere, legs, and feet. The eyes are yellow in adults. Sexes are similar in plumage, though females are about 25% larger than males. Juveniles and immatures are predominantly dark brown overall, with varying amounts of white mottling on the body and underwings, dark heads and tails, and dark beaks and eyes. As the bird ages, the head and tail gradually become whiter, the beak and eyes turn yellow, and the body plumage becomes more uniformly dark brown, with full adult plumage reached at about five years of age.
In the field, Bald Eagles are often detected by their size and flight style. They fly with slow, deliberate, and powerful wingbeats and frequently soar or glide on broad wings held flat, forming a straight horizontal line. When foraging, they may soar high while scanning for prey or fly low over water and shorelines. Bald Eagles are vocal near nests and feeding areas, giving a range of high-pitched calls that include chattering, piping notes and prolonged, gull-like screams. They are opportunistic feeders that take prey live, scavenge carrion, or steal food from other birds, especially Ospreys. Fish make up a large portion of the diet, but waterfowl, mammals, and other aquatic prey are also taken.
Across North America, Bald Eagles are closely tied to water. They breed near lakes, rivers, reservoirs, coastal bays, and wetlands that provide abundant foraging opportunities, typically selecting nest sites in mature forested areas or on cliffs near shorelines. The species breeds throughout Alaska, across much of Canada from British Columbia to the Atlantic provinces, and in every state of the contiguous United States. In winter, many birds concentrate in areas with open water and reliable food, including major river systems, coastal regions, large lakes, and reservoirs, though some remain year-round in suitable habitats. Nests are large structures built mainly of sticks, placed high in trees, on cliffs, or occasionally on the ground in treeless regions, and pairs often reuse and enlarge the same nest over many years.
The Bald Eagle is now common and increasing across much of its North American range, representing one of the most notable wildlife recoveries on the continent. After severe declines in the mid-20th century due to persecution, habitat loss, and pesticide contamination, especially from DDT, populations rebounded following legal protection and environmental regulation. Today, the species remains vulnerable to localized threats such as lead poisoning from ammunition, collisions with vehicles and structures, shoreline development, and environmental pollution, but its broad distribution, adaptability, and continued conservation attention have allowed it to thrive once again as a dominant raptor of North America’s waterscapes.
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
- Identification: Very large, heavy-bodied, dark-brown eagle with a relatively small head and long tail; adults show golden feathers on the nape, and young birds often have white in the wings and tail.
- Where found: Occurs across much of North America, breeding widely in Alaska and Canada and mainly in the western United States, using open and semi-open habitats from tundra to desert, often around mountains, hills, and cliffs.
- How to spot: Watch for solitary birds or pairs soaring and gliding with wings held in a slight “V” and spread “fingered” primaries, as well as low contour hunting over ground or perch hunting.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are broadly stable, but major threats are linked to human activity, including collisions, electrocution, poisoning, lead exposure, and habitat change.
The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in North America and the most widespread eagle of open country across the continent. It is most strongly associated with the western half of the United States and with broad expanses of Canada and Alaska, where it occupies landscapes that range from mountainous terrain to arctic tundra. The species measures 70 to 99 centimeters (27.6 to 39.0 inches) in length and has a wingspan of 185 to 222 centimeters (72.8 to 87.4 inches). It has a heavy body, long broad wings, and a long tail, and at distance it often looks small-headed with the tail projecting noticeably behind.
Adults are predominantly dark brown, with golden, sometimes faded feathers on the rear of the crown, nape, and sides of the neck that can produce a warm sheen. The tail shows faint gray barring, and the beak is black-tipped and paler toward the base, with a yellow cere. Plumage does not vary seasonally, though feather wear can make older feathers look browner and more faded. Sexes are similar in plumage, but females tend to be larger than males. Juveniles are darker and more uniform when they first leave the nest and typically show bold white in the wings and tail, though the extent varies and some young birds show little or no white in the wings. Many juveniles show a white “window” near the carpal joint formed by white at the base of the secondaries and inner primaries, and the tail often has a pale base with a wide dark terminal band. These contrasting areas tend to diminish gradually with successive molts, with full adult plumage usually reached in the fifth summer.
In the field, Golden Eagles are most often identified by flight profile and behavior. They are usually seen alone or in pairs, soaring and gliding for long periods while using updrafts over ridges, hills, and broken terrain. In soaring flight, the wings are often held in a slight dihedral or “V,” and the primary tips are widely spread and separated into distinct “fingers.” Flapping flight is less frequent but consists of deep wingbeats interspersed with glides. Golden Eagles also perform conspicuous dives and undulating display flights, especially on breeding grounds. They locate prey by soaring, by flying low in contour flight, or by hunting from perches, and they take most prey on or near the ground. In North America, they feed heavily on small to medium-sized mammals during the nesting season and also scavenge extensively on carcasses, especially outside the breeding season.
In North America, the Golden Eagle occurs broadly across Alaska and much of Canada and is concentrated as a breeder in the western United States, generally west of the Great Plains. It uses a wide variety of habitats from sea level to high mountains, including tundra, shrublands, grasslands, deserts, farmland, and forested landscapes, and it is often associated with areas of topographic relief such as mountains, rolling hills, and cliffs. In the eastern United States, it no longer nests naturally in the Northeast and is considered rare in many eastern states, though it occurs more widely in winter than previously appreciated, especially along the Appalachian region. Golden Eagles mainly build nests on cliffs or in trees, and in some areas they also nest on the ground, embankments, riverbanks, or human-made structures such as towers or transmission structures.
Across North America, Golden Eagle populations have been broadly stable in long-term monitoring, and legal protection has reduced direct persecution. Human activity remains the dominant source of mortality, with major causes including collisions with vehicles and structures, electrocution on power poles, poisoning from contaminated prey, and lead exposure from ammunition in hunter-shot animals. Habitat changes linked to development, agriculture, and altered wildfire regimes have also reduced nesting and hunting conditions in parts of the western United States. Despite these pressures, the species remains a widespread and enduring eagle of open landscapes, sustained by its broad habitat use, efficient flight, and flexible hunting and scavenging behavior.
White-tailed Eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla
- Identification: Very large eagle with broad wings, mostly brown plumage, a wedge-shaped white tail, pale buff head and neck, and bright yellow beak and eyes in adults.
- Where found: Native to Eurasia but recorded in western Alaska and very rarely elsewhere in North America, usually near large coastal or freshwater habitats.
- How to spot: Look for a massive eagle with a pale head that contrasts less sharply than Bald Eagle, long broad wings in steady soaring flight, and a distinctly wedge-shaped tail.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); global population increasing, though threats include habitat loss, pollution, lead exposure, collisions, and persecution in parts of its range.
The White-tailed Eagle is a large Eurasian sea eagle that appears in North America only as a rare visitor, primarily in Alaska. It is comparable in size to the Bald Eagle and measures 74 to 92 centimeters (29.1 to 36.2 inches) in length with a wingspan of 193 to 244 centimeters (76.0 to 96.0 inches). Structurally, it shows long, broad wings and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail. Although similar in overall build to the Bald Eagle, its head and neck are pale buff rather than pure white, creating less contrast with the darker body.
Adults have a pale grayish-buff head and neck with subtle darker streaking, contrasting with darker brown upperparts that can appear scaled when fresh. The tail is white, and the beak, cere, and eyes are bright yellow. Sexes are alike in plumage, but females are larger and heavier than males. Juveniles are dark brown to blackish-brown overall, with variable pale mottling on the body and whitish markings on the axillaries. The tail is not fully white until the eighth year, and the beak gradually changes from mostly dark to yellow over several years, with adult plumage typically assumed between five and seven years of age.
In the field, White-tailed Eagles are most often seen soaring or gliding on long, very broad wings with slow, deliberate wingbeats. Their heavy, rectangular profile in flight has earned them the nickname “flying barn door” among European birders. Individuals are typically encountered alone or in pairs, especially near large bodies of water. The adult’s wedge-shaped white tail stands out clearly in flight and is one of the most distinctive structural features of the species. The White-tailed Eagle is closely associated with aquatic habitats and feeds on fish, waterbirds, and carrion. It may steal prey from other birds, including Osprey, and often takes fish without plunge-diving. Vocalizations are most frequent during the breeding season and consist of piercing, repeated yelping calls, often exchanged between pair members.
Globally, the species breeds from southwestern Greenland and Iceland across northern and central Eurasia to northeastern China. In North America, it has been recorded most regularly in western Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands and parts of coastal mainland Alaska, with historical breeding attempts on Attu Island in the late 20th century. Records south of Alaska are exceptional. The species favors large lakes, coasts, river valleys, marshes, and rocky islands, usually remaining near expansive water and nesting on sea cliffs or in tall forest trees.
The White-tailed Eagle has an increasing global population, with recovery and reintroduction programs contributing to growth in parts of Europe. Major threats across its range include wetland loss, human disturbance, environmental pollution, lead poisoning from ammunition, collisions with power infrastructure and wind turbines, and persecution. Despite these pressures, conservation protections and management efforts have supported population growth, and the species remains secure globally, though it continues to appear only as a rare vagrant in North America.
Steller’s Sea Eagle
Haliaeetus pelagicus
- Identification: Very large eagle with blackish-brown plumage, massive yellow beak, large white shoulder patches, white wedge-shaped tail, and very broad, paddle-shaped wings.
- Where found: Native to coastal northeastern Asia; in North America rare but regular as a vagrant in western Alaska and exceptionally rare in the contiguous United States and eastern Canada.
- How to spot: Look for a gigantic dark eagle with striking white shoulders and an oversized yellow beak soaring over coasts or large rivers, often near Bald Eagles.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN); small and declining population, with ongoing threats including habitat alteration, lead poisoning, pollution, and climate-related impacts.
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is widely regarded as the world’s largest eagle, consistently ranking at the top across body length, wingspan, mass, and beak size. It measures 85 to 105 centimeters (33.5 to 41.3 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 195 to 245 centimeters (76.7 to 96.5 inches). In North America, any individual present immediately stands out even among Bald Eagles, appearing bulkier, longer-winged, and heavier-beaked. The species is structurally imposing, with very broad, paddle-shaped wings, a deep chest, and an exceptionally large, strongly arched yellow beak that appears oversized even at distance.
Adults are predominantly blackish-brown, sharply contrasted by bold white shoulder patches, a white wedge-shaped tail, and often a small white patch on the forehead. The iris is yellow, and the cere and legs are yellow to orange-yellow. Sexes are alike in plumage, but females are substantially larger and heavier than males, sometimes markedly so. Juveniles are darker overall, with grayish streaking on the head and breast, white mottling on the wing coverts, and a dirty-white tail with a dark tip. Immatures gradually acquire adult plumage by about four years of age. A rare dark morph exists that is nearly all black except for the white tail.
In the field, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is unmistakable due to its immense size and powerful proportions. Even alongside Bald Eagles, it appears bulkier, longer, and heavier-headed. The broad wings are held flat or slightly raised when soaring, and the white shoulder patches are often visible from considerable distance. The species is primarily associated with coastal waters and large rivers, where it feeds mainly on fish, especially salmon. It commonly perches 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet) above water before swooping down to seize prey, and it may also stand in shallow water or on ice to capture fish. It scavenges carcasses and may steal food from other birds. Vocalizations are most frequent during the breeding season and include deep, barking or gull-like calls given in repeated series.
The species is native to coastal northeastern Asia, breeding along the Sea of Okhotsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula, and parts of eastern Russia. It winters south to Japan and parts of Korea. In North America, the Steller’s Sea Eagle does not breed and occurs only as a vagrant. Small numbers appear in western Alaska, particularly in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, with additional scattered records from coastal mainland Alaska. Beginning in 2020, a single widely tracked individual moved across North America from Alaska to Texas, eastern Canada, New England, and Newfoundland, drawing significant attention. This individual, informally nicknamed “Stella,” was confirmed in multiple provinces and states between 2020 and 2024 and was even observed constructing a nest in Newfoundland, although successful breeding has not been documented. Sightings in the contiguous United States remain exceptionally rare.
Globally, the Steller’s Sea Eagle has a relatively small population concentrated in far eastern Russia, with wintering birds in Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. Although locally abundant in parts of its range, the species is suspected to be in moderate decline due to reduced breeding productivity and continued adult mortality. Key threats include habitat alteration from logging and industrial development, overfishing affecting prey availability, lead poisoning from ammunition, industrial pollution, nestling predation in some regions, and climate-driven changes such as altered river flooding and reduced sea-ice cover. Because of its long generation time, declines in reproductive output may take time to be fully reflected in overall numbers. In North America, the species occurs only as rare vagrants and does not represent an established population.
Distinguishing Eagles in North America
The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle are the two native eagle species regularly encountered in North America, and immature birds are the most frequent source of confusion. Adult Bald Eagles are straightforward to identify, as they are the only North American raptors with a fully white head and tail. The challenge comes with immature and subadult birds, which lack those clear adult markings and can look broadly dark at a distance.
Structure is usually the best way to separate the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. The Bald Eagle shows a larger, more protruding head and a more massive beak, while the Golden Eagle has a smaller head and a more streamlined profile. In flight, the head of a Bald Eagle projects clearly beyond half the tail length, whereas the head of a Golden Eagle projects less. The Bald Eagle also has unfeathered lower legs, while the Golden Eagle has feathered tarsi. Wing posture is also useful: Bald Eagles typically soar with the wings held flat, while Golden Eagles usually hold them in a slight raised angle.
Plumage adds further clues, especially in immature birds. Immature Bald Eagles show irregular white mottling across the body and underwings, often creating a patchy or uneven appearance. The Golden Eagle lacks white on the body, and the white in young birds is cleaner and more sharply defined, being confined mainly to the base of the flight feathers and tail. Juvenile Golden Eagles also show pale wing patches, while immature Bald Eagles have mottled underwings instead of distinct white wrist areas. At close range, young Bald Eagles also tend to show a darker beak and cere than Golden Eagles.
The two Eurasian eagle species included in this guide are much rarer in North America and are mainly of concern in Alaska or in exceptional vagrant situations. The White-tailed Eagle is most similar to the Bald Eagle, especially in immature plumages, but adults are less sharply patterned, with a pale buff head and neck rather than a crisp white head, and a shorter, more wedge-shaped tail. Young White-tailed Eagles also show less extensive white in the underwing coverts than many immature Bald Eagles and do not show the same broad dark pattern on the tail typical of immature Bald Eagles.
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is the most distinctive of the four and is unmistakable when seen well. It is larger and heavier-looking than the Bald Eagle, with a much larger beak and a longer, more strongly wedge-shaped tail. Adults are strikingly patterned, with a dark head, bold white shoulders, and white tarsal feathering. Younger birds also differ from Bald Eagles by showing more distinct white in the upperwing and tail while lacking white on the head.