Bald eagles are a majestic and iconic symbol of the United States. As the national bird of the country, bald eagles capture the spirit of freedom and strength. Though their numbers declined dramatically in the 20th century due to hunting, habitat loss and the use of DDT, bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery in recent decades thanks to conservation efforts. Today, these regal birds can be found soaring through the skies in many states across the country.
Alaska
The state with the largest bald eagle population is Alaska. According to recent estimates, Alaska is home to around 30,000 bald eagles. That represents over 50% of the total bald eagle population in the lower 48 states. Alaska’s wilderness areas provide ideal habitat for bald eagles with abundant food sources and tree cover for nesting. The largest concentrations of bald eagles are found along the coasts and rivers where salmon runs attract the birds. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska harbors the world’s highest known concentration of bald eagles. Each year over 3,500 eagles gather along the Chilkat River to feast on spawning salmon.
Florida
After Alaska, the state with the next highest bald eagle population is Florida. Florida has an estimated 1,500 breeding pairs of bald eagles. The birds are found throughout the state, particularly near coastal areas, lakes, rivers and wetlands where food is plentiful. Some key spots to view bald eagles in Florida include St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Ocala National Forest and Sanibel Island. Florida’s year-round warm climate and abundant waterways provide ideal habitat for bald eagles to nest and feed.
Minnesota
With over 800 nesting pairs, Minnesota ranks third in the nation for its bald eagle population. Bald eagles thrive around Minnesota’s bountiful lakes, rivers and forests. Some of the top places to see bald eagles in Minnesota are the Mississippi River, Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest, Chippewa National Forest and Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. Minnesota has made great strides in recovering its bald eagle population after the ravages of DDT in the mid-20th century. Thanks to conservation measures, bald eagles now flourish across the state.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to around 680 nesting pairs of bald eagles. The birds concentrate along major river systems like the Wisconsin River, the Lower Chippewa River and the Mississippi River where fish are abundant. Top spots to see bald eagles include the Leopold Memorial Reserve, the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and the Peshtigo River State Forest. Nests can often be spotted in tall trees along the shores. Wisconsin’s cold winters force some eagles to migrate south, but many remain along open waterways where they can continue to find food.
Oregon
With an estimated population around 500 nesting pairs, Oregon is a stronghold for bald eagles, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Prime bald eagle habitat in Oregon includes Upper and Lower Klamath Lakes, Crater Lake National Park, the Rogue River and the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon’s runs of spawning salmon provide a feast for hungry eagles. Some key places to see bald eagles are Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges, Deschutes National Forest, and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Oregon’s bald eagles have rebounded after facing potential extinction in the 20th century.
Other Bald Eagle States
While the above states have the largest concentrations of bald eagles, these regal birds can be found in nearly every contiguous state in the lower 48 to some degree. Other top bald eagle states include Washington, Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, California and Ohio. Even non-traditional states like Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana host hundreds of breeding pairs. Across their range, habitat protection and banning harmful chemicals like DDT has allowed bald eagle populations to recover significantly since the 1970s. Seeing a bald eagle soar overhead remains a special thrill and reminder of America’s natural heritage.
Total Bald Eagle Population
According to the latest figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are estimated to be around 72,434 bald eagles in the United States, not including Alaska. Adding in Alaska’s estimated 30,000 bald eagles brings the total U.S. bald eagle population to over 100,000 strong. From a low of just 417 breeding pairs in the lower 48 in 1963, this represents a tremendous recovery for America’s national bird. While challenges remain, the outlook for bald eagles continues to improve thanks to ongoing conservation efforts across the country.
Conclusion
In summary, Alaska is home to the largest number of bald eagles in the United States with an estimated 30,000 birds. Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon round out the top five bald eagle states with over 500 nesting pairs each. Thanks to habitat protection and banning harmful pesticides, bald eagle populations continue to rebound across most of the lower 48 states. Seeing a bald eagle flying majestically overhead is a thrilling reminder of the resilience of America’s wildlife with proper conservation measures. The recovery of the bald eagle stands as an inspirational model of how nature can heal if given the chance.