Telling an eagle apart from other birds can be tricky for beginners. Eagles belong to the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, kites, buzzards and other birds of prey. However, there are some key differences that distinguish eagles from other raptors.
Size
One of the most noticeable ways to identify an eagle is by its large size. Eagles are some of the biggest birds in the world. The largest species, like the Philippine Eagle and Steller’s Sea Eagle, have wingspans up to 7 feet wide and can weigh over 10 pounds!
In comparison, most hawks and buzzards are smaller. Red-tailed Hawks have wingspans around 4 feet wide and usually weigh 2-3 pounds. Turkey Vultures get up to 6 feet across but only weigh 4-5 pounds. If you see a massive bird of prey overhead, chances are it’s an eagle.
Shape
Eagles also have distinctive body shapes. Their heads and beaks tend to be very large compared to other raptors. Eagles have hooked beaks that are thicker and longer than hawks’ beaks. This helps them tear apart prey.
An eagle’s wings are also broad. When soaring, eagles hold their wings flat or in a very slight V-shape. Other hawk and vulture species tend to hold their wings in more of a V-shape when gliding.
An eagle’s tail is also a clue. Eagles have long, fanned tails. When perched, their tail extends about halfway down their body. Hawks and buzzards have more square or rounded tails that don’t extend as far.
Flight Patterns
Paying attention to how a bird flies can help distinguish eagles. Eagles primarily soar and glide when hunting. They will ride updrafts and thermal currents, circulating high in the air without flapping their wings much. Sometimes they’ll even lock their wings in place and free-fall to build up speed.
In comparison, hawks and buzzards flap their wings frequently while flying. They actively beat their wings to power their flight. Watch for broad-winged birds that utilize wind currents and rarely flap as a sign it’s possibly an eagle.
Habitat
Considering the habitat you see a bird in can be another helpful clue. Though some eagles occupy a variety habitats, most species prefer areas near rivers, lakes, coasts and other wetland areas. This allows them to hunt for fish, waterfowl and other aquatic prey.
Conversely, many hawk species prefer drier, more open habitats like grasslands, meadows, farmland and forest clearings. While you may spot eagles in these areas too, areas near water increase your odds of sighting one.
Plumage
An eagle’s feathers can also give it away. Adult eagles have bold, distinct plumage patterns compared to other raptors. The most common North American eagles have white heads and tails, unlike most hawks.
For example, compare a bald eagle to a red-tailed hawk. Red-tailed hawks are brown overall. Bald eagles have gleaming white heads and tails with brown bodies. Golden eagles similarly have white patches on their wings and tails that really stand out.
Immature eagles have duller, darker feathers. But you can still distinguish them from hawks by their large size, broad wings and large thick beaks.
Beak Color
The color and features of an eagle’s beak are also telling. Eagles have massive yellow beaks with a sharp hook on the end. The beak color varies between eagle species, but they tend to be brighter than hawk beaks.
In comparison, hawks and buzzards have smaller beaks that tend to be dark gray, black or blueish. If you see a raptor with a sizable yellow beak, it’s likely an eagle.
Head Feathers
The feathers on an eagle’s head are a major way to identify it. The iconic bald eagle has a completely white feathered head, giving it a “bald” look.
Golden eagles have small dark feathers on their head that make it appear flat and plain. Other eagles like the Philippine Eagle have a wild, shaggy crest of feathers on their crown.
Hawks lack white or elaborately decorated heads. They have more subdued, curved crown feathers that blend with their other plumage colors.
Conclusion
Telling an eagle from other birds takes practice and patience. Learning to recognize key field marks like their large size, broad wings, big yellow beaks and distinctive plumage patterns will help you identify these majestic raptors. Taking note of where the bird is spotted and how it flies provides more helpful clues to confirm you’ve spotted the “King of Birds.”
Eagle | Hawk/Buzzard |
---|---|
Very large size | Small to medium size |
Broad, long wings | Shorter, more angular wings |
Long, fanned tail | Shorter, square-tipped tail |
Soars and glides frequently | Flaps wings more actively |
Habitats near water | Forests, grasslands, deserts |
White head and/or tail | Lack white feathers |
Large yellow beak | Smaller gray/black beak |
Shaggy head feathers | Subdued, curved head feathers |
More Key Eagle Identification Tips
Here are some more in-depth tips for identifying the most common North American eagle species:
Bald Eagle
– White head and tail as adults
– Dark brown body
– Yellow beak
– Wingspan up to 7 feet
Golden Eagle
– Dark brown overall
– White patches on wings and tail
– Smaller beak than bald eagles
– Feathered legs
Steller’s Sea Eagle
– Dark brown body
– White wings, tail and thighs
– Massive yellow beak
– Wedge-shaped tail
How Eagles Hunt
An eagle’s hunting strategy also sets it apart from other raptors:
- Soars high on air currents, searching large areas for prey
- Power-dives at speeds over 100 mph to strike prey
- Snatches fish from water surface
- Steals prey from other animals
Eagle Diet
Eagles are opportunistic predators and will eat a wide variety of prey items. Their diet includes:
- Fish
- Waterfowl
- Other birds
- Small mammals
- Reptiles
- Carrion (dead animals)
This varied diet allows eagles to thrive in many different habitats and environments across North America.
Eagle Vision
Eagles have incredible vision that helps them spot and hunt prey:
- Can see 4-8x farther than people
- Eyes specially adapted to see well while soaring high
- Retina densely packed with photoreceptors for sharp vision
- Two foveae or centers of focus in each eye
- Can see color vision similar to humans
Eagle Hearing
In addition to excellent vision, eagles also have good hearing abilities:
- Able to hear low-frequency sounds very well
- Ears adapted to enhance distant sounds
- Helps them detect prey while flying high overhead
Where to Spot Eagles
Some of the top spots in North America to see eagles include:
- Alaska & British Columbia
- Florida Everglades
- Yellowstone National Park
- Cascade Mountains
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area
- Klamath Basin
Time your visit during winter and early spring when many eagles migrate and congregate near open waters.
Threats to Eagles
Some ongoing threats and conservation issues facing North American eagle populations include:
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Lead poisoning from bullets in carrion
- Collisions with vehicles and powerlines
- Illegal shooting and trapping
- Contaminants like pesticides
- Climate change
Supporting conservation groups and protecting eagle habitats can help ensure these iconic birds continue to thrive.
Importance of Eagles
As top avian predators and symbols of wilderness, eagles play an important role ecologically and culturally:
- Help control populations of prey like rodents and fish
- Scavenge carrion and keep ecosystems clean
- Indicator species for environmental health
- National symbols of the U.S. and other countries
- Prominent in Native American culture and art
- Inspire conservation efforts and environmental pride
Appreciating and protecting these majestic birds ensures healthy ecosystems we all depend on.