Telling a golden eagle apart from a juvenile bald eagle can be tricky for birders. Both are large, brown raptors with similar markings. However, there are some key differences in size, shape, behavior, range and habitat that can help you distinguish these two species.
Quick Identification Tips
- Golden eagles are larger and stockier than bald eagles.
- Golden eagles hold their wings straight when gliding, while bald eagles hold a slight bend in the wings.
- Golden eagles are more likely to be found in open habitats like grasslands, whereas bald eagles mainly occur near water.
- The bald eagle has a brown body, white head and tail when mature. The golden eagle is brown overall, even as an adult.
Looking at the finer details of plumage, size and behavior will help confirm the identification. Continue reading for more in-depth comparisons.
Size Differences
The golden eagle is clearly the larger bird, weighing 7-15 pounds compared to the bald eagle at 8-14 pounds.
Wingspans also differ, with golden eagles averaging 6.5-7.5 feet across and bald eagles averaging 6-7 feet. This may not seem like a huge difference, but golden eagles have broader wings that make them appear very large in flight.
| Measurement | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 6.5-7.5 ft | 6-7 ft |
| Weight | 7-15 lbs | 8-14 lbs |
The golden eagle has a shorter tail and neck compared to the bald eagle. This stocky silhouette makes the golden appear more compact and muscular in flight. Immature bald eagles may have longer tails and necks that haven’t filled out yet, making them appear lankier.
Plumage Differences
Plumage can show some subtle but important differences between these raptors.
Juvenile Plumage
Juvenile bald eagles up to 4-5 years old are mostly a uniform chocolate brown all over. The bill and eyes are dark brown.
Young golden eagles show more variation in color. They may range from tawny gold to brownish-black. The base of the tail is usually whitish. The legs appear feathered all the way to the toes. The cere (wax-like skin on the base of the beak) is grayish, appearing lighter than the all-dark bill.
Adult Plumage
Adult bald eagles are iconic with their brown bodies, white heads and tails, and bright yellow beaks. Adult golden eagles retain their juvenile plumage’s brown coloration, with some light mottling on the body and wings. The cere becomes yellow on older birds.
| Plumage Characteristic | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Mostly brown | White |
| Body | Brown with light mottling | Dark brown |
| Tail | Brown with white at base | White |
| Legs | Feathered | Bare |
| Cere | Yellow | Yellow |
| Bill | Dark horn color | Bright yellow |
The golden eagle’s legs are feathered all the way down to the toes, unlike the bald eagle’s bare yellow legs.
Flight Profile
When soaring, golden eagles hold their wings flat or with a slight upward flick at the tips. Bald eagles have a distinct dihedral or upward bend in their wings.
Golden eagles also tend to soar with slower wing beats compared to bald eagles. This flight style gives them incredible stability in turbulent winds.
Bald eagles are more likely to rely on thermals and updrafts when soaring. Golden eagles use these rising air currents too, but also take advantage of deflection updrafts around cliffs and slopes. This allows them greater versatility when hunting in mountainous areas.
| Flight Characteristic | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Wing shape | Flat or slightly uptilted | Dihedral or v-shaped |
| Wingbeats | Slow, methodical | Faster paced |
| Maneuverability | Highly agile and precise | Less nimble |
Habitat Differences
Golden and bald eagles overlap in some habitats, but they have some key differences.
Golden eagles require open country. They frequent grasslands, deserts, sagebrush steppe, agricultural areas, and alpine zones up to 12,000 feet in elevation.
Bald eagles mainly live along seacoasts, rivers, and lakes. They need areas with lots of fish and aquatic prey. Though they occasionally forage in open areas away from water, they rarely stray far from shorelines.
Another clue is the types of structures used for nesting. Golden eagles nest on cliffs and rock outcroppings. Bald eagles build huge stick nests high up in trees near water.
| Habitat Preference | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| General habitat | Open habitats like grasslands, deserts, sagebrush | Coastlines, rivers, lakes |
| Elevation | Up to 12,000 ft | Mainly at lower elevations |
| Nest sites | Cliffs, rock outcroppings | Large trees near water |
Behavioral Differences
Golden and bald eagles behave differently, which can offer more clues on their identification.
Golden eagles are more likely to be seen soaring, gliding, and engaged in aerial courtship displays. They spend more time patrolling higher elevations.
Bald eagles often perch prominently along shorelines, keeping watch for fish. They engage in dramatic food stealing behavior, unlike the more dominate golden eagles.
Listen for vocalizations too. Golden eagles make high-pitched yelping and chirping sounds. Bald eagles have their distinctive, loud whistling call.
| Behavior | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Flight behavior | Soaring at high elevations | Coastal and lakeside perching |
| Hunting style | Seizes prey directly in talons | Scavenges prey more often |
| Interactions with others | Dominant, aggressive | Pirating food is common |
| Vocalizations | High-pitched yelps and chirps | Loud whistles |
Geographic Ranges
The bald eagle only lives in North America, while the golden eagle has one of the most extensive ranges of any raptor. Knowing which regions overlap can provide a clue on possible species identification.
Bald eagles breed from Alaska and Canada southward to Florida and Baja California. Some migrate along those flyways in winter.
Golden eagles occur across the western half of North America. They breed from Alaska to Mexico and winter as far south as Central America.
Elsewhere, golden eagles live throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa. Bald eagles are only found in North America.
| Location | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Western half of continent | Entire continent |
| Overseas | Europe, Asia, North Africa | None |
Conclusion
Telling apart a golden eagle from a juvenile bald eagle comes down to a combination of factors:
- Size – golden eagles are clearly larger
- Plumage – goldens stay brown, bald eagles get white heads and tails
- Flight style – goldens soar with flat wings, bald eagles have a dihedral
- Habitat – goldens favor open country, bald eagles live along waterways
- Behavior – goldens are more aerial, bald eagles perch and scavenge more
- Range – goldens have an extensive range, bald eagles just in North America
With practice, birders can learn to recognize the subtle differences between these two majestic raptors. Careful attention to field marks, size, shape, flight style, habitat, and behavior are key to telling them apart.
