19 Types of Eagles in California
California is home to two main eagle species: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The bald eagle, with its distinctive white head and dark body, is found throughout the state year-round, especially near large bodies of water, reservoirs, and coastal areas. The golden eagle, a larger and less commonly seen species, inhabits open country, grasslands, and foothills. While bald eagles are far more frequently observed in California and are the focus of most popular viewing guides, understanding both species helps you identify what you see in the field and improves your chances of a successful eagle watching experience.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- January, December, February
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
19 types of eagles recorded in California
19 eagle species have a verified observation record in California 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 California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Harris's HawkParabuteo unicinctus | Parabuteo unicinctus | 214 |
| 14 | American GoshawkNativeAstur atricapillus | Astur atricapillus | 182 |
| 15 | Broad-winged HawkNativeButeo platypterus | Buteo platypterus | 157 |
| 16 | Swallow-tailed KiteElanoides forficatus | Elanoides forficatus | 108 |
| 17 | Gray HawkButeo plagiatus | Buteo plagiatus | 31 |
| 18 | Mississippi KiteNativeIctinia mississippiensis | Ictinia mississippiensis | 30 |
| 19 | Common Black HawkButeogallus anthracinus | Buteogallus anthracinus | 17 |
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 California:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
241,994 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in California, most often in January, December, February.
When eagle are recorded in California
California is home to two main eagle species: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The bald eagle, with its distinctive white head and dark body, is found throughout the state year-round, especially near large bodies of water, reservoirs, and coastal areas. The golden eagle, a larger and less commonly seen species, inhabits open country, grasslands, and foothills. While bald eagles are far more frequently observed in California and are the focus of most popular viewing guides, understanding both species helps you identify what you see in the field and improves your chances of a successful eagle watching experience.
What types of eagles are found in California?
California has two primary eagle species: the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The bald eagle is the more commonly sighted of the two and is the subject of the main California eagle guide. Golden eagles are less frequently observed by casual birders but are present throughout the state in suitable habitat. Other raptor species occasionally mistaken for eagles, such as red-tailed hawks and osprey, also occur in California, but true eagles are limited to these two species.
Which eagle species is most common in California?
The bald eagle is by far the most common and most frequently observed eagle species in California. Winter populations are particularly high, with northern migrants joining resident birds from November through March. Popular viewing areas like the Klamath Basin, Lake Shasta, and Clear Lake host significant concentrations of bald eagles during winter. Summer populations of bald eagles decline as breeding birds disperse to their nesting areas, particularly in northern California and along the coast. Golden eagles, by contrast, are far less commonly seen and require more effort and specific habitat knowledge to locate.
How can you tell the difference between a bald eagle and a golden eagle?
Adult bald eagles are unmistakable with their pure white head and tail contrasting sharply with a dark brown body and wings. Golden eagles are uniformly dark brown with some golden-brown feathering on the head and neck, visible up close or with binoculars. In flight, bald eagles hold their wings flat and level like a plank when soaring, while golden eagles hold their wings slightly raised in a shallow V. Bald eagles are also larger and heavier-bodied than golden eagles when seen side by side, though size comparison is difficult from a distance. The most reliable field mark is always the white head of an adult bald eagle.
What do juvenile bald eagles look like compared to golden eagles?
Juvenile bald eagles lack the white head and are mostly dark brown with varying amounts of white on the underside and wings, which can lead to confusion with golden eagles. However, juvenile bald eagles are larger, more robust, and have heavier beaks than juveniles of the same age. Additionally, juvenile bald eagles have a larger head and more prominent white markings on the wings and body than juvenile golden eagles. Juveniles of both species take several years to reach adult plumage. Learning to recognize immature plumages requires practice and the use of field guides, but focusing on body size and proportions is most helpful when the head markings are unclear.
Where in California are golden eagles found?
Golden eagles inhabit open country, grasslands, rolling foothills, and low mountain areas throughout California. They are most common in the Sierra Nevada, the Coast Ranges, and the interior valleys where suitable prey and nesting habitat exist. Golden eagles are territorial and their territories are large, so sightings are much less frequent than for bald eagles. The Central Valley, with its grassland habitat, supports breeding and wintering populations of golden eagles. Unlike bald eagles, which congregate near water, golden eagles are solitary and hunt in open terrain where ground squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals are abundant.
Are there any eagle subspecies or regional variations in California?
The bald eagle found in California is the North American subspecies (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus), the same as throughout the continental United States. The golden eagle in California belongs to the North American race (Aquila chrysaetos canadensis). There are no distinct regional subspecies within California, though populations differ slightly by season and location. Coastal and inland populations may show subtle plumage variations due to age and individual variation, but these are not classified as separate subspecies. Understanding these scientific names helps you connect California sightings to broader North American eagle biology.
Which eagle species is more endangered or protected in California?
Both the bald eagle and golden eagle are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The bald eagle was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 after its population recovered dramatically, though it remains protected. Golden eagles are not listed as endangered at the federal level but are protected from hunting and disturbance. California state law also fully protects both species. The recovery of bald eagles in California is one of the great conservation success stories, allowing the populations now seen in places like the Klamath Basin and Lake Shasta to thrive.
What should you do if you find an injured or dead eagle in California?
If you encounter an injured or dead eagle, do not attempt to touch or move it. Instead, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or a local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. Provide the location and a description of the bird's condition. Bald and golden eagles are federally and state protected, and it is illegal to disturb them without a permit. Even dead eagles or shed feathers cannot be kept or disturbed. Wildlife professionals have the expertise and legal authority to handle eagles properly and investigate causes of injury or death, which helps protect these species across California.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of eagles live in California?+
California has two primary eagle species: the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The bald eagle is the more commonly sighted of the two and is the subject of the main California eagle guide. Golden eagles are less frequently observed by casual birders but are present throughout the state in suitable habitat. Other raptor species occasionally mistaken for eagles, such as red-tailed hawks and osprey, also occur in California, but true eagles are limited to these two species.
How do you tell eagles apart in California?+
California has two primary eagle species: the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The bald eagle is the more commonly sighted of the two and is the subject of the main California eagle guide. Golden eagles are less frequently observed by casual birders but are present throughout the state in suitable habitat. Other raptor species occasionally mistaken for eagles, such as red-tailed hawks and osprey, also occur in California, but true eagles are limited to these two species.
Which eagle is most common in California?+
California has two primary eagle species: the American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The bald eagle is the more commonly sighted of the two and is the subject of the main California eagle guide. Golden eagles are less frequently observed by casual birders but are present throughout the state in suitable habitat. Other raptor species occasionally mistaken for eagles, such as red-tailed hawks and osprey, also occur in California, but true eagles are limited to these two species.
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