An Eye for Eagles (Winter, 1998)

We see eagles represented everywhere—in art, on corporate logos, in the emblems of athletic teams and of course as the symbol of the United States. Sometimes it seems one more monumental bronze depicting a fierce-eyed eagle—talons extended, broad wings sweeping the sky—and the eagle will join the howling coyote as a tiresome cliché.

But then you see a golden eagle perched on a post along a country road, an enormous bird with the talons and beak of a consummate hunter, turning to look straight at you in frank appraisal. Or you watch a pair of bald eagles, heads a crisp snowy white, flying together like lovers, joining talons and tumbling through the air, unbound by the laws of gravity. Then all the trite images fade and you're reminded again of the grandeur and magnificence of eagles.

Eagles Over Colorado

Cover of the winter, 1998 issue of Colorado's Wildlife Company, "An Eye for Eagles".

Eagles, not specified by species, are the number one wild animal nationwide that Americans want to see. And Colorado is a great place to see them. We have healthy populations of both golden and bald eagles, and winter offers prime viewing. The big concentrations of bald eagles, up to 1,200 birds, arrive in our state in late autumn, attracted by our relatively mild winters and abundance of waterfowl and prairie dogs. Most of those birds leave again in February and March, heading north to nesting grounds in the northern U.S., Canada and Alaska. A few bald eagles do remain year-round in Colorado. In the summer of 1997 DOW biologists located 29 active bald eagle nests in the state.

Unlike bald eagles, golden eagles are common nesting birds in Colorado, with an estimated 600 to 900 active nests, concentrated in the northwestern part of the state. In winter, golden eagles are more broadly distributed across the state, in nearly every habitat. They are particularly visible on the eastern plains at this season, perched on power poles along country roads.

Bald or Golden?

For many people, an eagle is an eagle, but the two species inhabiting North America—the bald eagle and the golden eagle—differ from one another in both appearance and lifestyle. Golden eagles are named for the golden wash on the head and nape which contrasts with the dark brown body. An adult golden eagle can't be confused with a mature bald eagle, whose white head and tail are unmistakable. The younger birds, however, can confuse observers. Young bald eagles do not attain the white head until their fourth or fifth year. Until then, they are mostly brown and often confused with golden eagles. To muddy the water further, both immature golden and bald eagles have a broad band of white at the base of the tail. Compared to the golden eagle, the bald eagle has a larger head and shorter tail in proportion to its body. Its bill is very large and very yellow; the golden's dark bill is less imposing.

Bald eagles are primarily fishers, thus they usually inhabit areas near water. Despite their fierce appearance, they often scavenge prey from smaller raptors. Their legs are unfeathered to reduce drag in the water, unlike the dryland-hunting golden eagle whose legs are feathered to the feet. Bald eagles build large nests of sticks in tall trees near water.

The golden eagle is a bird of rugged cliffs, canyons and the adjacent open country where it feeds on a broad range of birds, reptiles and mammals, though jackrabbits are its primary prey.

The eagle's legendary ability to carry off calves and lambs, and, in some fairy tales, young children, is just that—a legend. Studies found an adult golden eagle weighing 11 pounds could comfortably carry two pounds of weight, but could not lift off if five pound weights were attached to its feet. Adult male eagles weigh 11-13 pounds and females 15-20 pounds.

While the bald eagle is restricted to North America, the golden is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Mirroring the bald eagle's importance as the symbol of the United States, the golden eagle has been a symbol of power and majesty to European cultures for centuries. Eagles appear on heraldic crests and coats of arms of royal families throughout Europe, and only royalty were permitted to use eagles for falconry.

The golden eagle was an important bird to Native Americans as well. Prized as tokens of strength, valor and power, eagle feathers are still used in ceremonies. An Arapaho named Old Man Gun reputedly built a golden eagle trap atop the summit of Longs Peak in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park.

The golden eagle is a powerful hunter. Circling above hills and grasslands it may soar on wide wings for hours. With wings spanning as much as seven and a half feet, an eagle can't be mistaken for even a large hawk. Spotting prey on the ground, the eagle thunders earthward in an immense "stoop" or predatory dive, grabbing and killing its prey with sharp, powerful talons. At times golden eagles may reach speeds of an estimated 150-200 mph that rival the plunging dive of the peregrine falcon, a much smaller bird.

An Eye for Eagles

In winter, you are likely to see eagles almost anywhere in Colorado—eastern plains, intermountain valleys, western plateaus and mesas—with the exception of mountain tops. Watch for golden eagles in open or broken country, soaring overhead or perched on poles or other vantage points. When traveling along waterways or near large reservoirs or other open water, scan nearby trees for the large, upright shapes and striking white heads of bald eagles. The birds often sit on the ice at the edge of partly frozen water, seeking not only fish but injured or weak waterfowl. Eagles are very sensitive to human disturbance so be sure not to approach them or unduly harass them, such as by stopping your car beneath a roost tree. When watching eagles use your car as a blind. Because the birds will tolerate the car much more than human figures, you will get a better look without stressing the birds.

In the Company of Eagles

One of the great things about eagle-viewing is that it's for everybody, not just the active outdoors adventurer. Many of the best eagle watching opportunities are from vehicles—along 1-70 following the Colorado River or in other locations that don't require even leaving the car. It seems somehow appropriate that these dramatic birds, symbols of our country, are so accessible and visible to Coloradoans of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities. And don't feel embarrassed if the sight of an eagle brings a lump to your throat. Eagles just kind of do that to you.

Next: Bald Eagle & Golden Eagle

(The information contained in this issue of Colorado's Wildlife Company was accurate at the time of original publication. Situations and circumstances described, staff positions, contact information, and dates of some events may have changed in the interim. Present knowledge and understanding of biological and behavioral facts and information may also be different, now, than presented here.)

Last Updated: 6/12/2009 9:47 PM