The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most powerful and wide-ranging birds of prey in North America. This majestic raptor can be found soaring over open landscapes across much of the western United States and Canada.
Quick Answer
Golden eagles live in the following states in the United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. They are also found in areas of Canada and Mexico.
Golden Eagle Range and Habitat
The breeding range of golden eagles extends across western North America, from Alaska and western Canada south to northern Mexico. They inhabit open and semi-open landscapes including grasslands, shrublands, savannas, deserts, and mountain areas. Golden eagles require large home ranges and remote areas with cliffs and bluffs for nesting.
Here are some details on the habitat and range of golden eagles in the states where they are found:
- Alaska: Found across much of mainland Alaska as well as some islands in the Bering Sea. Nest on cliffs and rock outcroppings.
- Arizona: Occur in the northeastern part of the state in high plains and mountain areas. Nest in canyons and on rocky cliffs.
- California: Found throughout California except for the densest urban areas and forested regions. Nest on cliffs and escarpments in open areas.
- Colorado: Occur year-round in open landscapes across Colorado. Nest primarily in western half of state on cliffs and bluffs.
- Idaho: Found year-round throughout Idaho except for northern panhandle. Nest on cliffs and rocky outcrops.
- Montana: Occur year-round in open grasslands and mountain areas across the state. Nest on cliffs and rocky ledges.
- Nevada: Found throughout Nevada except for the southern tip. Nest on cliff ledges and escarpments.
- New Mexico: Occur year-round in grasslands and desert regions of central and northern New Mexico. Nest on cliffs and bluffs.
- North Dakota: Primarily found in Badlands region in western North Dakota. Nest on cliffs and rocky buttes.
- Oregon: Occur year-round east of Cascade Mountains. Nest on cliffs and rocky slopes.
- South Dakota: Found primarily in western South Dakota including Badlands region. Nest on cliffs and buttes.
- Texas: Occur primarily in mountains and canyonlands of far western Texas. Nest on high cliffs and escarpments.
- Utah: Found year-round throughout Utah except for the heavily forested areas. Nest on cliffs and rock outcroppings.
- Washington: Occur year-round east of Cascade Mountains. Nest on cliffs and bluffs in shrub-steppe regions.
- Wyoming: Found throughout Wyoming. Nest on cliffs and rocky slopes.
States Where Golden Eagles Are Rare or Absent
There are several states primarily on the East Coast and in the central United States where golden eagles are very rare or completely absent as breeding birds. These include states like Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and all states further east. The dense forests predominant in many of these states are not suitable habitat for golden eagles.
Golden eagles are sometimes observed in these states during migration or as wintering birds, but do not normally nest there. For instance, immature golden eagles may wander east during migration and turn up as rare vagrants in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
Map of Golden Eagle Range in North America
This map shows the breeding and year-round range of golden eagles across North America:
Image source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Migration Patterns
Golden eagles that nest in Alaska and Canada typically migrate south in the winter while eagles that nest further south in the western United States are usually year-round residents. The migration patterns of golden eagles include:
- Alaskan golden eagles migrate south through western Canada to wintering areas in the western and midwestern U.S.
- Golden eagles that nest in western Canada migrate south to winter in the western U.S. and northern Mexico.
- Some young golden eagles from further north wander widely and have reached as far east as Nova Scotia during migration.
- Adult golden eagles are highly faithful to their breeding territories and nest sites.
In winter, migrating golden eagles often congregate in areas with abundant prey like prairie dog colonies or along migration corridors.
Threats and Conservation Status
Golden eagles currently have a widespread distribution across western North America but face a variety of threats. These include:
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Declines in prey species like jackrabbits
- Human disturbance near nest sites
- Collision with vehicles and wind turbines
- Illegal shooting and poisoning
Due to these threats, golden eagle populations declined in parts of their range from the 1950s-1970s. However, increased legal protections and conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations more recently. Golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the U.S. and the Migratory Birds Convention Act in Canada.
Ongoing conservation practices that can benefit golden eagles include protecting nesting habitat, reducing disturbances near nest sites, minimizing poisoning risks, and working with wind energy companies to avoid turbine strikes.
Fascinating Facts About Golden Eagles
Here are some interesting facts about these powerful raptors:
- Golden eagles are one of the largest birds of prey in North America with a wingspan up to 7 feet.
- They have excellent eyesight and can spot prey from over a mile away.
- Their diet is composed primarily of small mammals like rabbits, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs.
- Golden eagles mate for life and use the same nesting territories year after year.
- They build massive nests up to 8 feet across and 3 feet deep on cliffs and rocky slopes.
- Golden eagle nests are among the largest of any bird species in the world.
- Young golden eagles typically stay near their natal nest site for the first few years until they establish their own breeding territory.
- Golden eagles can dive at speeds over 150 mph to strike prey.
Conclusion
The majestic golden eagle holds a special place in both ecosystems and human culture across the American West. Protecting these iconic raptors requires maintaining the open habitats and seclusion they need to thrive. Conservation efforts across western North America aim to ensure stable golden eagle populations for future generations to admire.