Quick Answer
Yes, golden eagles do live in the Pacific Northwest. The golden eagle is found across much of western North America and is the most widely distributed eagle species on the continent. The Pacific Northwest represents the western edge of their range, but they can be found nesting and wintering in parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.
Overview of Golden Eagles
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in North America. Some key facts about golden eagles:
- Wingspan ranges from 6.5 to 7.5 feet.
- Body length ranges from 27 to 33 inches.
- Can weigh 7-15 pounds.
- Powerful talons and legs allow them to take large prey.
- Prefer open habitats like grasslands, sagebrush, deserts, foothills.
- Build nests high up on cliffs, trees, utility poles.
- Mate for life, returning to the same nesting site each year.
- Diet consists mainly of rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, prairie dogs.
- Also take birds, reptiles, and some carrion.
- Considered a bird of conservation concern due to habitat loss, poisoning, wind turbine collisions.
Golden eagles are dark brown overall, with golden-brown plumage on the back of their neck and head. Their wings are broad and rounded and their tail feathers are dark with subtle barring. Juvenile golden eagles have white patches under the wings and at the base of the tail.
Golden Eagle Range and Distribution
Golden eagles have an extensive range across the northern hemisphere. In North America, they are found from northern Mexico to northern Alaska.
Within this broad range, there are three recognized subspecies:
- A. c. canadensis – Occupies most of North America
- A. c. chrysaetos – Found in western United States and Canada
- A. c. kamtschatica – Occurs in northeastern Siberia and Alaska
The subspecies A. c. canadensis is the most numerous and broadly distributed. Its breeding range extends across Alaska and Canada, throughout the western United States, and into northern Mexico.
Golden eagles occur year-round throughout most of their western range. The milder climates allow them remain on breeding territories year-round.
However, in the northern parts of their range, golden eagles migrate south for the winter. Northern breeders in Alaska, northern Canada, and sometimes the northern Rocky Mountains will migrate to areas further south in the western U.S.
Golden Eagles in the Pacific Northwest
Within the Pacific Northwest region, which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia, golden eagles can be found year-round.
They are most numerous in the drier interior regions, but also occur closer to the Pacific coast.
Here is a breakdown of how golden eagles are distributed across the Pacific Northwest:
Washington
Golden eagles occur year-round across much of Washington state. They are found in greater concentrations east of the Cascade Mountains.
Breeding golden eagles favor shrub-steppe habitats, grasslands, canyonlands and cliffsides. Some key breeding areas include the Okanogan Highlands, Kittitas Valley, Yakima Canyon and the Columbia Basin.
In winter, some golden eagles that bred further north in Canada migrate into Washington. They often concentrate along the Columbia River and in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.
Smaller numbers breed and winter west of the Cascades, especially in the southwestern region.
Oregon
As in Washington, golden eagles in Oregon are found year-round but are more plentiful east of the Cascades.
The arid shrublands and canyon country of central and southeastern Oregon provide excellent habitat. Major nesting sites can be found in the John Day Basin, Deschutes Basin and Owyhee Uplands.
Golden eagles occur at lower densities in western Oregon but can still be found nesting in some coastal mountain ranges, the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley and Siskiyou Mountains.
Idaho
Idaho supports a substantial breeding population of golden eagles, thanks to its abundance of mountainous shrublands and grasslands.
The Snake River Plain, Owyhee Uplands and valleys between mountain ranges offer prime habitat. Golden eagles occur year-round but their abundance increases in winter as migrants arrive from the north.
Breeding eagles concentrate in the southern half of Idaho but occur more sparsely in the northern half. The exception is where suitable habitat exists along major river canyons.
British Columbia
In Canada, golden eagles range across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
They are found year-round but primarily breed in the southern interior of British Columbia. This includes dry grassland valleys and plateaus from the Okanagan south to the US border.
Northern British Columbia sees more seasonal occupancy. Golden eagles breed in lower densities but still occupy cliff habitat. They migrate further south in winter.
Along the coast, golden eagles are rare and localized. A few may nest on Vancouver Island but most observations are of dispersing juveniles.
Habitat Preferences
Within their western range, golden eagles need open habitats that support populations of small mammals for prey. Their habitat preferences include:
- Grasslands
- Sagebrush steppe
- Desert scrub
- Alpine tundra
- Canyonlands
- Cliffsides
- Woodland-grassland mosaics
- Forest-grassland ecotones
Access to cliff ledges, tall trees and other elevated structures is also critical for supporting nest sites. Golden eagles typically avoid dense forests but may forage along forest edges.
In the Pacific Northwest, drier habitats east of the Cascades suit golden eagles best. However, they also utilize coastal mountains, open valleys and offshore islands further west.
Breeding and Nesting
Golden eagles establish breeding territories that may encompass up to 60 square miles. They exhibit high nest site fidelity, often reusing the same nest for many years.
Breeding activity begins in late January. Males perform dramatic aerial displays to attract a mate and cement pair bonds.
Nest building or refurbishing takes place in February and March. Nests are large structures up to 10 feet across, built from sticks and lined with grass, bark and soft material.
The female lays 1-4 eggs in March or April. The eggs are incubated mostly by the female for 43-45 days. The male provides most of the food during incubation.
Chicks hatch in April-May and are brooded closely by the female for two weeks. Both parents then deliver food to the nest for about two months as the eaglets grow.
Fledging of young takes place in July-August. Juveniles remain dependent on the parents into fall before dispersing from the breeding territory.
Population Trends
Due to their large range across western North America, golden eagle populations are difficult to accurately survey. However, some regional trends have been observed:
- Estimated 34,000-67,000 individuals in North America.
- Populations considered stable or increasing in most of western range.
- Declines noted in parts of Midwest and Northeast.
- Rangewide population likely declining but not steeply.
- Still a species of conservation concern due to threats.
In the Pacific Northwest, golden eagle populations appear to be steady or slightly increasing in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia.
Idaho may be experiencing more notable population growth in recent decades. Christmas Bird Count data shows increasing numbers of golden eagles wintering in Idaho since the 1970s.
Overall the golden eagle population in the Pacific Northwest is considered healthy, thanks to the abundance of suitable habitat across the region. Maintaining habitat will be key for conservation.
Threats and Conservation
Golden eagles currently face a number of threats across their western range:
- Habitat loss to development
- Disturbance of nest sites
- Collision with vehicles and wind turbines
- Illegal shooting and trapping
- Lead poisoning from bullet fragments in prey
- Electrocution on power lines
Conservation actions needed to protect golden eagles include:
- Protecting and properly managing nesting habitats on public lands.
- Working with private landowners to preserve habitat.
- Retrofitting power lines and using bird diverters to reduce electrocution risk.
- Siting wind farms to minimize turbine collisions.
- Enforcing laws prohibiting shooting and trapping.
- Continued monitoring of regional populations.
Several areas used by golden eagles in the Pacific Northwest have protected status, including National Parks, Wildlife Refuges and protected grassland reserves.
Ongoing conservation will require a combination of public and private land stewardship to maintain healthy populations into the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, golden eagles are apex predators that occur year-round across the Pacific Northwest region. They nest primarily east of the Cascades but can be found in smaller numbers westward to the coast.
Abundant cliffs and prey availability allow stable golden eagle populations to persist in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. Maintaining natural habitats will be key for their continued success in the Pacific Northwest.