19 Types of Eagles in Arizona
Two eagle species live in Arizona: Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. Bald Eagles are winter migrants that arrive each fall and concentrate along lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from November through March, with peak viewing in January and March. Golden Eagles are year-round residents that breed throughout the state in desert mountains, canyons, and high plateaus. Both species are active during the same season in late winter, making January through early April the best time to see them together. Arizona's diverse habitats support both species because of the state's large water systems and extensive mountainous terrain.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- January, March, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
19 types of eagles recorded in Arizona
19 eagle species have a verified observation record in Arizona across the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Arizona
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Mississippi KiteIctinia mississippiensis | Ictinia mississippiensis | 135 |
| 14 | American GoshawkAstur atricapillus | Astur atricapillus | 106 |
| 15 | Red-shouldered HawkNativeButeo lineatus | Buteo lineatus | 83 |
| 16 | White-tailed KiteElanus leucurus | Elanus leucurus | 71 |
| 17 | Rough-legged HawkNativeButeo lagopus | Buteo lagopus | 47 |
| 18 | Short-tailed HawkNativeButeo brachyurus | Buteo brachyurus | 39 |
| 19 | Broad-winged HawkNativeButeo platypterus | Buteo platypterus | 39 |
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on eagles in Arizona:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
23,428 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Arizona, most often in January, March, April.
Two eagle species live in Arizona: Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. Bald Eagles are winter migrants that arrive each fall and concentrate along lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from November through March, with peak viewing in January and March. Golden Eagles are year-round residents that breed throughout the state in desert mountains, canyons, and high plateaus. Both species are active during the same season in late winter, making January through early April the best time to see them together. Arizona's diverse habitats support both species because of the state's large water systems and extensive mountainous terrain.
What are the main eagle species in Arizona?
Arizona has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles migrate to Arizona each winter from northern breeding grounds and are most common from November through March. Golden Eagles are permanent residents that live in Arizona year-round and breed in the mountains and canyons. The trunk context confirms both species are active in Arizona with seasonal and habitat preferences that differ enough to allow birders to find one or both depending on where and when they visit.
How do Bald Eagles look different from Golden Eagles?
Bald Eagles are large raptors with white heads and dark brown bodies, plus white tail feathers that become visible in flight. Adults reach up to 37 inches in length. Golden Eagles are uniformly dark brown with golden-bronze feathering on the head and neck, and they are slightly smaller, typically 30 to 35 inches long. Bald Eagles have a distinctive silhouette when soaring, with flat wings, while Golden Eagles hold their wings in a slight V-shape. The color and pattern differences make identification straightforward once you see both species side by side or in field conditions.
When is the best time to see Bald Eagles in Arizona?
Bald Eagles peak in Arizona during winter, arriving in November and departing by March. January and March offer the best viewing windows as populations are fully established and weather is mild. During these months, Bald Eagles concentrate near water bodies including the Colorado River, Lakes Havasu, Mead, and Powell, and central Arizona reservoirs such as Tempe Town Lake and Salt River Project lakes. Early morning hours often provide the clearest visibility and the highest activity rates.
Where do Golden Eagles live in Arizona?
Golden Eagles inhabit Arizona's desert mountains, canyons, and high plateaus year-round. They breed in remote areas of the state and are most visible in regions like the White Mountains, Chiricahua Mountains, and various canyon systems. Unlike Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles do not require large water bodies; they hunt small mammals and birds across open and mountainous terrain. Spring and early summer are peak breeding seasons when Golden Eagles are most vocal and visible as they defend territories and rear young.
Why do Bald Eagles migrate to Arizona?
Bald Eagles migrate south for winter because northern lakes and rivers freeze, cutting off their primary food source of fish and waterfowl. Arizona's year-round open water systems, particularly the Colorado River, Lakes Havasu, Mead, and Powell, plus numerous reservoirs and dams, provide reliable fishing habitat throughout winter. The state's mild climate also reduces energy demands compared to frozen northern regions. Thousands of Bald Eagles follow this migration route each year, making Arizona a critical wintering ground.
Can you see both Bald and Golden Eagles in Arizona at the same time?
Yes, seasonal overlap occurs in late winter and early spring, especially in January through March. While Bald Eagles concentrate near water in lower elevations, Golden Eagles may hunt in nearby mountainous terrain, particularly in regions with both accessible water and mountain habitat. The Verde River area, White Mountains, and central Arizona reservoirs offer opportunities to encounter both species within a single trip, though their habitat preferences mean separate locations often yield better viewing chances.
What do Bald Eagles eat in Arizona?
Bald Eagles hunt primarily fish in Arizona, supplemented by waterfowl and small mammals. The fish include catfish, carp, and sunfish found in lakes and rivers. After feeding on fish, Bald Eagles often perch on dead branches or trees near water to digest, a behavior that makes them easier to spot along reservoir shores and river systems. Their fishing strategy depends on open water, which is why they concentrate near the largest and deepest Arizona water bodies during winter.
What habitats do Golden Eagles prefer in Arizona?
Golden Eagles hunt across open desert grasslands, rocky canyons, and mountain slopes where ground squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals are available. They prefer areas with minimal tree cover so they can see prey from the air. Arizona's Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, as well as the mountain ranges of the state, provide ideal hunting habitat. Golden Eagles also use cliff faces and tall trees for nesting, so rocky canyons and high plateaus are especially important for their breeding populations.
Are eagles common in Arizona?
Both species are regular in Arizona during their respective seasons. Bald Eagles are numerous during winter months, with thousands migrating to the state. Golden Eagles are year-round residents, though numbers fluctuate with breeding seasons and seasonal movements. The species are not rare, but seeing them requires visiting the right habitat at the right time. Water-based locations are most reliable for Bald Eagles in winter, while mountain and canyon habitats offer the best chances for Golden Eagles year-round.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of eagles live in Arizona?+
Arizona has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles migrate to Arizona each winter from northern breeding grounds and are most common from November through March. Golden Eagles are permanent residents that live in Arizona year-round and breed in the mountains and canyons. The trunk context confirms both species are active in Arizona with seasonal and habitat preferences that differ enough to allow birders to find one or both depending on where and when they visit.
How do you tell eagles apart in Arizona?+
Arizona has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles migrate to Arizona each winter from northern breeding grounds and are most common from November through March. Golden Eagles are permanent residents that live in Arizona year-round and breed in the mountains and canyons. The trunk context confirms both species are active in Arizona with seasonal and habitat preferences that differ enough to allow birders to find one or both depending on where and when they visit.
Which eagle is most common in Arizona?+
Arizona has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles migrate to Arizona each winter from northern breeding grounds and are most common from November through March. Golden Eagles are permanent residents that live in Arizona year-round and breed in the mountains and canyons. The trunk context confirms both species are active in Arizona with seasonal and habitat preferences that differ enough to allow birders to find one or both depending on where and when they visit.
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