Golden eagles are one of the most majestic birds of prey found across North America. With their powerful, broad wings and characteristic golden brown plumage, a soaring golden eagle is an impressive sight. However, with over a dozen species of eagles found in North America, identifying a golden eagle in flight can be a challenge. Here are some tips on how to distinguish a golden eagle from other eagles and large birds of prey.
Size and Shape
The golden eagle is one of the largest eagles found in North America, with a wingspan up to 7 feet across. When in flight, golden eagles have long, broad wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. The wings are held flat with a slight dihedral, giving the flying eagle a flat-winged silhouette. This distinguishes them from the bald eagle, which has a pronounced dihedral and appears to have an upswept wing shape.
Golden eagles are noticeably larger and stockier than hawks. Red-tailed hawks and other Buteo hawks have short, broad wings and long tails. Turkey vultures are also large soaring birds, but they hold their wings in a distinctive ‘V’ shape called a dihedral. The golden eagle’s flat wing silhouette helps distinguish it from these other large birds.
Plumage
Adult golden eagles have characteristic plumage patterns that can help identify them. The head and nape (back of the neck) are a golden brown color. The underside of the flight feathers on the trailing edge of the wings are also light brown or golden. This gives the wings a two-toned appearance, with the dark flight feathers contrasting with the golden wing linings underneath.
Juvenile golden eagles have white patches on the wings and tail that can also help distinguish them. The base of the tail is white, and large white patches are visible at the base of the flight feathers when the wings are spread. These white patches fade over time as the eagle matures.
Flight Style
Golden eagles are efficient soarers, often riding thermals and updrafts while hunting. They have a mostly flat wing plane while soaring, holding their wings level or with just a slight uplift at the wrist. The wingbeats are relatively slow and methodical. This flight style contrasts with the Turkey vulture’s more floppy, teetering flight pattern.
During migration, golden eagles can glide for hours with little flapping. Their broad wings and large, slotted wing feathers give them aerodynamic lift. When flapping, the wingbeats have a slower, more deliberate cadence compared to the faster flapping of hawks and falcons.
Range and Habitat
Golden eagles occupy open habitats across western North America. They are found primarily in mountainous areas, foothills, plains, deserts, and badland areas. Know what their preferred habitat is in your region to increase your chances of identification. In flight, golden eagles may traverse forests but are more likely to be found soaring over open areas.
Behavior
Observing the bird’s behavior can provide additional clues to its identity. Golden eagles often soar and glide while hunting over open terrain. Watch for them soaring in circles over an area while scanning for prey below. When attacking prey, they will enter into a steep dive with wings tucked. Also watch for territorial flight displays, which may involve dramatic dives, rolls, and upward swoops.
Age Differences
Young golden eagles can be distinguished from adults in flight by key plumage differences:
- Juveniles have white patches at the base of all flight feathers.
- The base of the tail is white.
- The head and neck are mostly dark without the golden-brown color.
These white patches fade over the eagle’s first 5 years before they acquire full adult plumage. An entirely dark eagle with white underwings is almost certainly a juvenile.
Geographic Range
Golden eagles occupy areas of western North America. East of the Mississippi River, they are rare or absent as a breeding species. Areas farther east, such as Appalachia, may see golden eagles during winter or migration but are outside their core range. Knowing the species’ expected range in your area will help confirm your identification.
Distinguishing from Bald Eagles
The golden eagle shares parts of its range with its close relative, the bald eagle. Knowing how to distinguish the two eagles is key to a confident identification:
Trait | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
---|---|---|
Size | Larger and stockier | Smaller with longer wings and tail |
Wing shape | Flat wings with slight uptilt | Pronounced dihedral; uptilted wings |
Head | Golden brown | White head and tail as adults |
Plumage | Mostly dark with golden-brown neck and wing linings | Dark body and wings with white head and tail |
Range | West and southwest | Throughout North America |
Flight style | More direct and sustained flight | Flap-glide-soar pattern |
Conclusion
Identifying golden eagles in flight comes down to recognizing their key field marks, flight style, expected range, and differences from look-alike species. With practice, the golden eagle’s large, flat-winged silhouette and characteristic golden brown plumage should stand out. Observing behavior, age variations, geographic location, and differences from similar eagles will help confirm the identification. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to spot and recognize this majestic western eagle.