When it comes to birds of prey, there are several species of hawks that can be mistaken for golden eagles due to their similar size, coloring, and behavior. Properly identifying these lookalike raptors requires a keen eye and knowledge of key identification markers. With a bit of practice, birdwatchers can readily tell a golden eagle apart from its doppelgangers.
The golden eagle is a large, majestic raptor found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. Adults have brownish-black plumage on their back and wings, with a golden-brown colored head and neck. Their wingspan reaches up to 7 feet across. Golden eagles are skilled hunters, using their incredible eyesight to spot prey while soaring high in the sky. They mainly feed on small mammals like rabbits and marmots.
Given their impressive size and coloring, there are a number of hawks that bear a resemblance to golden eagles. Red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, and rough-legged hawks are three species that are most often confused with this regal bird of prey. Each has distinct features that set it apart from a golden eagle once a positive identification is made.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawks are one of the most widespread and commonly seen birds of prey in North America. They can be found in a variety of habitats from forests to deserts. As their name suggests, adult red-tailed hawks can be identified by the reddish coloring on the upper side of their fan-shaped tail.
In terms of appearance, red-tailed hawks share a similar bulky, broad-winged silhouette with golden eagles. They have brownish upperparts and a streaked belly. However, red-tailed hawks have a paler head that shows a dark patagial mark on the leading edge of the wings. Their legs are noticeably shorter and thinner than a golden eagle’s yellow legs. Overall, red-tailed hawks rarely exceed 2 feet in length with a wingspan around 4 feet – making them dwarfed by the much larger golden eagle.
Key Identification Markers
- Reddish tail
- Pale head with dark patagial mark on wings
- Shorter, thinner yellow legs
- Smaller size (up to 2 feet long, 4 foot wingspan)
Ferruginous Hawk
The ferruginous hawk reigns as the largest hawk species in North America. They breed in open grasslands and deserts in the western half of the continent. True to their name, adult ferruginous hawks have rich reddish-brown plumage across their upperparts, wings, and legs. The body feathers are broadly fringed in white.
Ferruginous hawks share the golden eagle’s large, imposing stature and presence. When perched, the size difference between the two raptors is less apparent. However, the ferruginous hawk’s reddish leg feathers and white fringes make it distinguishable from a golden eagle. Ferruginous hawks also have a small, neat head compared to the larger, shaggy-headed profile of golden eagles. In flight, the broad whitish underwings of a ferruginous hawk contrast against the golden eagle’s darker flight feathers.
Key Identification Markers
- Large size similar to golden eagle
- Rich reddish-brown upperparts
- White fringes on body feathers
- Smaller head and beak
- Longer, feathered yellow legs
- Broad white panels under wings when in flight
Rough-Legged Hawk
Rough-legged hawks are medium-sized raptors that breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate south for the winter. They can be found hunting in open country across much of North America during the colder months. Adults have dark brown plumage with white patches on the wings and tail. They also have streaking on the belly and leg feathers that extend down to the talons.
In the right lighting conditions, soaring rough-legged hawks can bear a passing resemblance to golden eagles with their broad wings and dark brown coloration. However, rough-legged hawks have additional distinctive features. They have a smaller head in proportion to their body size. Their wings show black wrist markings at the base when outstretched. Rough-legged hawks also fly with a marked dihedral, holding their wings in a noticeable upward V-shape.
Key Identification Markers
- Medium-sized raptor
- Dark upperparts with white patches
- Streaked underparts
- Small head
- Feathered legs
- Wings held in dihedral shape when soaring
In Flight Comparisons
Seeing the differences between hawk species and golden eagles is often easiest when observing them in flight. Here is a summary of in-flight identification markers:
Species | Wing Shape | Underwing Pattern | Tail Pattern |
---|---|---|---|
Golden Eagle | Long, broad wings | Mostly dark with pale bands at base of flight feathers | Dark tail with pale base |
Red-tailed Hawk | Broad, short wings | Dark patagial mark onleading edge, otherwise pale | Reddish tail |
Ferruginous Hawk | Very broad, long wings | Mostly white withdark wrist markings | Mostly palewith dark tip |
Rough-legged Hawk | Long, slender wings | Mostly dark with large white patches | Mostly dark with white base |
Behavioral Differences
In additional to physical characteristics, behavior can provide clues to distinguishing golden eagles from lookalike hawk species:
- Golden eagles rely heavily on soaring flight and do not flap frequently, holding wings flat or in a slight dihedral.
- Northern harriers fly with an obvious dihedral and flap frequently, exhibiting buoyant flight.
- Red-tailed hawks commonly soar in circles using thermals to gain altitude.
- Ferruginous hawks still-hunt for prey, remaining stationary for long periods.
- Rough-legged hawks hover frequently over open habitat when hunting.
Range and Habitat
The range and preferred habitats of these raptor species also provide helpful clues for identification:
Species | Range | Habitat |
---|---|---|
Golden Eagle | Throughout western North America, less common eastward | Cliffs, mountains, open country |
Red-tailed Hawk | Common throughout North America | Variety of habitats from woodlands to deserts |
Ferruginous Hawk | Interior western North America | Open grasslands, deserts, sagebrush |
Rough-legged Hawk | Breeds in Arctic, winters south throughout North America | Open country and grasslands on migration and wintering grounds |
Conclusion
With some practice, birdwatchers can learn to readily differentiate golden eagles from other similar hawk species. Size and bulk provide initial clues, but definite identification relies on noting key markings like tail coloration, wing patterns, and feather characteristics. Behavior and preferred habitat add supporting evidence to confirm a sighting. Taking the time to carefully observe raptors in the field will help refine ID skills over time.
Though they may share a passing resemblance, each of these majestic hunter has its own unique traits and qualities. Being able to distinguish golden eagles from their hawk doppelgangers will make any raptor sighting that much more rewarding.