13 Types of Eagles in Florida
Florida has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the rare Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles are common residents throughout the state, especially in coastal areas, freshwater lakes, and river systems. Golden Eagles are extremely rare winter visitors that occasionally appear in Florida's northern regions. This guide covers the identification, distribution, and seasonal patterns for both species found in Florida.
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, March, December
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of eagles recorded in Florida
13 eagle species have a verified observation record in Florida 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 Florida
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Swainson's HawkButeo swainsoni | Buteo swainsoni | 148 |
Plus 2 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 Florida:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
61,077 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Florida, most often in January, March, December.
When eagle are recorded in Florida
Florida has two eagle species: the Bald Eagle and the rare Golden Eagle. Bald Eagles are common residents throughout the state, especially in coastal areas, freshwater lakes, and river systems. Golden Eagles are extremely rare winter visitors that occasionally appear in Florida's northern regions. This guide covers the identification, distribution, and seasonal patterns for both species found in Florida.
What are the two eagle species in Florida?
Florida supports two breeding or visiting eagle species: the Bald Eagle, which is widespread and breeds statewide, and the Golden Eagle, which is an uncommon winter visitor. Bald Eagles have recovered dramatically since the 1970s and now number in the hundreds throughout Florida. Golden Eagles are not regular residents and sightings are exceptional events, typically confined to northern Florida during winter months.
How to identify a Bald Eagle in Florida
Adult Bald Eagles are unmistakable: dark brown body, pure white head and neck, bright yellow beak, and yellow legs. They are massive birds, typically 30-40 inches tall with wingspans up to 7.5 feet. Immature Bald Eagles are brown all over without white head markings and can be confused with Golden Eagles by inexperienced birders. Look for the yellow beak and eye ring on adults, and the yellowish-brown coloring on immatures that darkens over 4-5 years of age.
How to identify a Golden Eagle in Florida
Golden Eagles are dark brown overall with golden highlights on the crown and nape, visible at close range. Adults show a uniform dark brown plumage without the white head of Bald Eagles. Immature Golden Eagles are darker brown than young Bald Eagles and lack yellow on the beak. Golden Eagles have longer, more slender wings and a longer tail. In flight, they appear leaner than Bald Eagles. Since Golden Eagles are extremely rare in Florida, positive identification should be confirmed with local birding groups or wildlife experts before reporting a sighting.
Where do Bald Eagles live in Florida?
Bald Eagles in Florida occupy large lakes, rivers, coastal marshes, and freshwater wetlands where they can hunt fish from open water or nearby trees. Major concentrations occur in the Everglades, around Lake Okeechobee, the Gulf Coast bays, and northeastern rivers. Bald Eagles require tall trees for nesting and roosting, so they avoid dense inland forests and urban sprawl unless large trees and waterways are adjacent. Merritt Island, Crystal River, and Sanibel Island are reliable locations for viewing resident Bald Eagles year-round.
When can you see Bald Eagles in Florida?
Bald Eagles are present in Florida year-round, with the most abundant populations from November through March when migratory birds from northern regions arrive. Breeding pairs establish territories in November and remain through spring. Immature non-breeding eagles disperse throughout Florida during summer months but are less visible due to wider ranging behavior. Winter months offer the best viewing opportunities with eagles congregating in favored hunting areas and roosting sites, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Are Bald Eagles and osprey often confused?
Yes, Bald Eagles and Osprey are frequently confused by casual observers, but they are distinctly different species. Osprey are smaller, about 20-26 inches tall, with dark upperparts and white underparts creating a striking contrast. Osprey have a distinctive curved wing silhouette in flight and often hover over water before diving. Bald Eagles are much larger and heavier with broader wings held flat in flight. Adult Bald Eagles have the diagnostic white head and neck, whereas Osprey always have dark heads with a white belly.
Why is the Golden Eagle so rare in Florida?
Golden Eagles prefer open country, rocky terrain, and mountainous regions for hunting large prey like rabbits and ground squirrels. Florida's landscape of wetlands, coastal marshes, and abundant fish-rich waters favors Bald Eagles over Golden Eagles. Golden Eagles that wander into Florida during winter migrations typically depart within weeks, as the habitat and prey base do not support long-term residency. The few sightings in Florida occur when individuals drift south from their normal Appalachian and Great Plains winter ranges.
Can you see young Bald Eagles in Florida?
Yes, immature Bald Eagles are common in Florida, particularly during winter months when northern populations migrate southward. Young birds lack the white head and can be mistaken for Golden Eagles by untrained observers. Immature Bald Eagles gradually acquire white plumage on the head and neck, with the process taking four to five years. During this period, they show mottled brown and white patches that shift year to year. Concentrations of immatures occur around major fish-rich waterbodies like the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, and coastal estuaries.
What do eagles eat in Florida?
Bald Eagles in Florida hunt primarily fish, their staple food year-round. They perch in tall trees overlooking water and plunge into lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal waters to snatch fish with their talons. Occasionally, Bald Eagles catch waterfowl, small mammals, and aquatic reptiles like turtles. Golden Eagles, if present, would hunt similar large prey but are extremely rare in Florida's fish-abundant environment. Eagle hunting is most active at dawn and dusk when fish are near the surface and water activity is lower.
Which parks have the best eagle viewing in Florida?
Everglades National Park has year-round Bald Eagles and is the most accessible park for eagle observation. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge supports numerous Bald Eagles, particularly from November through March. Crystal River offers eagle sightings from tour boats and shoreline viewing. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have reliable Bald Eagle populations in coastal mangrove and pine areas. Big Cypress National Preserve and the Florida Keys also support resident and visiting Bald Eagles. For current conditions and guided tour availability, contact each park or refuge directly before your visit.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of eagles live in Florida?+
Florida supports two breeding or visiting eagle species: the Bald Eagle, which is widespread and breeds statewide, and the Golden Eagle, which is an uncommon winter visitor. Bald Eagles have recovered dramatically since the 1970s and now number in the hundreds throughout Florida. Golden Eagles are not regular residents and sightings are exceptional events, typically confined to northern Florida during winter months.
How do you tell eagles apart in Florida?+
Florida supports two breeding or visiting eagle species: the Bald Eagle, which is widespread and breeds statewide, and the Golden Eagle, which is an uncommon winter visitor. Bald Eagles have recovered dramatically since the 1970s and now number in the hundreds throughout Florida. Golden Eagles are not regular residents and sightings are exceptional events, typically confined to northern Florida during winter months.
Which eagle is most common in Florida?+
Florida supports two breeding or visiting eagle species: the Bald Eagle, which is widespread and breeds statewide, and the Golden Eagle, which is an uncommon winter visitor. Bald Eagles have recovered dramatically since the 1970s and now number in the hundreds throughout Florida. Golden Eagles are not regular residents and sightings are exceptional events, typically confined to northern Florida during winter months.
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