9 Types of Eagles in Georgia
Yes, Georgia has eagles, with the Bald Eagle being the only regularly occurring type across the state. Unlike the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks that are far more common in Georgia, Bald Eagles are unmistakable: adults have white heads and necks with dark brown or black bodies, while juveniles are all dark brown with pale mottling on wings and tails. Bald Eagles live in Georgia year-round and in larger numbers during winter months when birds migrate south from northern regions. iNaturalist records show over 1,000 confirmed Bald Eagle sightings in Georgia, making them a genuine find for patient observers along rivers, lakes, and coastal marshes where they hunt for fish. A few other eagle species have been spotted as rare vagrants or escapes in Georgia, but those sightings are uncommon enough that your expectations should center on the Bald Eagle as the eagle species to look for.
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
- April, March, January
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
9 types of eagles recorded in Georgia
9 eagle species have a verified observation record in Georgia 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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Plus 4 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 Georgia:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
10,778 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Georgia, most often in April, March, January.
Yes, Georgia has eagles, with the Bald Eagle being the only regularly occurring type across the state. Unlike the Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks that are far more common in Georgia, Bald Eagles are unmistakable: adults have white heads and necks with dark brown or black bodies, while juveniles are all dark brown with pale mottling on wings and tails. Bald Eagles live in Georgia year-round and in larger numbers during winter months when birds migrate south from northern regions. iNaturalist records show over 1,000 confirmed Bald Eagle sightings in Georgia, making them a genuine find for patient observers along rivers, lakes, and coastal marshes where they hunt for fish. A few other eagle species have been spotted as rare vagrants or escapes in Georgia, but those sightings are uncommon enough that your expectations should center on the Bald Eagle as the eagle species to look for.
How do you tell a Bald Eagle from a hawk?
Bald Eagles and hawks in the Accipitridae family share hooked beaks and sharp talons, but Bald Eagles are substantially larger with heavier bodies, thicker necks, and proportionally longer and broader wings. Bald Eagles reach 28 to 40 inches long with wingspans of 66 to 90 inches, while even the largest hawks in Georgia (Red-tailed) max out around 25 inches long with wingspans under 60 inches. In flight, Bald Eagles hold their wings flat in a plank-like posture, whereas hawks tend to hold wings in a slight V or dihedral angle. Adult Bald Eagles in flight look nearly all dark with a glowing white head and neck, while juvenile eagles appear uniformly dark brown with no white until they reach maturity around 4 or 5 years old. Hawks show rufous breasts, barred plumage, or reddish tails; Bald Eagles show none of these features once they mature.
What do Bald Eagle juveniles look like?
Young Bald Eagles are often mistaken for other dark raptors because they lack the distinctive white head and body plumage that adults display. Juvenile Bald Eagles are uniformly dark brown with lighter mottling on their underwings and upper leg feathers, and their beaks and cere (the fleshy area around the eyes) are pale gray or tan rather than bright yellow. The facial pattern on juveniles is mostly dark with subtle lighter streaking. As they mature over 4 or 5 years, Bald Eagles gradually develop the white head and neck, with the process beginning on the crown and working downward. During this molting period, you may see birds with partially white heads that look startling or unusual. First-year eagles are smallest and darkest, while third and fourth-year birds show increasing amounts of white. If you see a uniformly dark eagle-sized bird with pale mottled underwings and a large dark beak, you have likely found a Bald Eagle juvenile.
Is there more than one type of eagle in Georgia?
Regularly and reliably, no. The Bald Eagle is the sole eagle species with established year-round and seasonal populations in Georgia. Historically, Golden Eagles are rare winter visitors to far northern Georgia near the Appalachian Mountains, but sightings are uncommon. Other eagle species such as Steller's Sea Eagle, Philippine Eagle, or African Fish Eagle have never been confirmed in the wild in Georgia; reports of these are hoaxes or misidentifications. A very small number of escaped or released captive eagles from falconry collections have been spotted over the years, but these represent individual accidents, not natural populations. For practical purposes, if you see an eagle in Georgia, it is almost certainly a Bald Eagle.
What is the golden eagle in Georgia?
Golden Eagles are large, dark raptors with golden-bronze plumage on the crown and nape, and they are extremely rare in Georgia. While they breed in western North America and occasionally winter in upland areas from Tennessee northward, documented sightings in Georgia are scarce. Golden Eagles in flight appear nearly all dark with a small golden patch on the head that is difficult to see from a distance. They are slightly smaller than Bald Eagles but bulkier than Red-tailed Hawks, with long rectangular wings held in a pronounced V when soaring. Unlike the white-headed adult Bald Eagle, a Golden Eagle is dark on the head and body throughout its life. If you see what you believe might be a Golden Eagle in Georgia, photograph it and consult expert field guides or local birding groups to confirm, because misidentification with dark juvenile Bald Eagles or large Red-tailed Hawks is common.
Where do Bald Eagles hunt in Georgia?
Bald Eagles hunt over open water where they can spot and catch fish, their primary food. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal marshes attract eagles because fish are visible and accessible from the air. The Chattahoochee River, Altamaha River, and waterways flowing into the Atlantic provide excellent eagle habitat. Lake Lanier, Lake Oconee, and reservoir systems across central and northern Georgia are frequent hunting grounds. Coastal marshes around the Altamaha Delta and Savannah estuary are high-productivity areas for eagles during both winter and breeding season. Eagles also hunt over smaller creeks and ponds where carp, mullet, or bass congregate in shallows. Avoid disturbing eagles while they hunt or rest by maintaining distance of at least 100 yards from perched birds and staying on designated public access areas along water routes. Guided boat tours on prime eagle habitat rivers offer safe, respectful viewing opportunities.
When do Bald Eagles return to Georgia for nesting?
Bald Eagles are resident in Georgia year-round, but the breeding population receives a seasonal influx during fall and winter. Adult pairs that breed in Georgia typically return to established nesting territories in September and October to repair and reuse the same massive stick nests year after year. Courtship and egg-laying occur from December through February, with eggs hatching in March and April. Young eaglets fledge (first flight) in June and July, then depart for the north during late summer and early fall. Eagles that breed in the far north migrate into Georgia from October through March, swelling the population during the winter months when prey is also abundant. The peak periods to see Bald Eagles in Georgia are November through February (winter concentrations plus northern migrants) and March through April (spring courtship and early nesting). Summer offers the fewest sightings because breeding adults focus on territories and chick-rearing away from human observation areas.
What size is a Bald Eagle compared to other raptors?
Bald Eagles are the largest raptors in Georgia by a significant margin. An adult Bald Eagle weighs 6.5 to 15 pounds and stretches 28 to 40 inches from beak to tail, with wingspans reaching 66 to 90 inches. In contrast, Red-tailed Hawks (the largest common hawk in Georgia) weigh 1.5 to 3 pounds and measure 19 to 25 inches long with wingspans of 43 to 57 inches. Even perched side by side, a Bald Eagle is nearly twice as massive as a Red-tailed Hawk. Golden Eagles fall between these two, weighing 6 to 15 pounds and measuring 26 to 40 inches, with wingspans of 65 to 90 inches, so they overlap in size with large Bald Eagles but are typically leaner and longer-winged. Cooper's Hawks and Mississippi Kites are much smaller, around 12 to 18 inches long. When you spot a truly giant raptor over water in Georgia, the size alone is a strong indicator you have found a Bald Eagle.
Do Bald Eagles and hawks hunt the same prey?
Bald Eagles and hawks in Georgia hunt different prey, which is one reason they can coexist without direct competition. Bald Eagles are fish specialists; they hunt almost exclusively over water and catch fish by swooping low and plucking them from the surface with their talons. Red-shouldered Hawks hunt small mammals like mice and voles in open forests and swamps. Red-tailed Hawks soar over open country hunting rabbits, squirrels, and large insects. Cooper's Hawks are tree-canopy hunters that chase small birds through dense vegetation. Mississippi Kites are summer visitors that hunt insects and small reptiles in flight. This specialization by habitat and prey type allows multiple raptor species to hunt successfully in the same state. Eagles require access to open water with healthy fish populations; hawks thrive in woodlands, fields, and marshes. Understanding these habitat preferences helps you know where to look for each species.
What calls do Bald Eagles make?
Bald Eagles produce high-pitched chirping and whistling sounds, not the deep powerful screams often heard in movies and wildlife documentaries. The characteristic Bald Eagle vocalization is a series of short, high-pitched chirps and tremolo whistles, sometimes described as sounding like a seagull or osprey. Eagles call most during courtship and nest defense, with pairs duetting back and forth as they circle near their nest. The intensity of calling increases in late winter and early spring during breeding season. In contrast, Red-tailed Hawks produce a harsh descending scream (a familiar sound in movies) that is deeper and more raspy than an eagle's whistle. Golden Eagles are quiet birds that rarely vocalize, making them harder to detect by sound. If you hear a high-pitched whistling from a large raptor in Georgia, you may have recorded an eagle vocalizing; audio identification combined with visual confirmation can help confirm the species.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of eagles live in Georgia?+
Bald Eagles and hawks in the Accipitridae family share hooked beaks and sharp talons, but Bald Eagles are substantially larger with heavier bodies, thicker necks, and proportionally longer and broader wings. Bald Eagles reach 28 to 40 inches long with wingspans of 66 to 90 inches, while even the largest hawks in Georgia (Red-tailed) max out around 25 inches long with wingspans under 60 inches. In flight, Bald Eagles hold their wings flat in a plank-like posture, whereas hawks tend to hold wings in a slight V or dihedral angle. Adult Bald Eagles in flight look nearly all dark with a glowing white head and neck, while juvenile eagles appear uniformly dark brown with no white until they reach maturity around 4 or 5 years old. Hawks show rufous breasts, barred plumage, or reddish tails; Bald Eagles show none of these features once they mature.
How do you tell eagles apart in Georgia?+
Bald Eagles and hawks in the Accipitridae family share hooked beaks and sharp talons, but Bald Eagles are substantially larger with heavier bodies, thicker necks, and proportionally longer and broader wings. Bald Eagles reach 28 to 40 inches long with wingspans of 66 to 90 inches, while even the largest hawks in Georgia (Red-tailed) max out around 25 inches long with wingspans under 60 inches. In flight, Bald Eagles hold their wings flat in a plank-like posture, whereas hawks tend to hold wings in a slight V or dihedral angle. Adult Bald Eagles in flight look nearly all dark with a glowing white head and neck, while juvenile eagles appear uniformly dark brown with no white until they reach maturity around 4 or 5 years old. Hawks show rufous breasts, barred plumage, or reddish tails; Bald Eagles show none of these features once they mature.
Which eagle is most common in Georgia?+
Bald Eagles and hawks in the Accipitridae family share hooked beaks and sharp talons, but Bald Eagles are substantially larger with heavier bodies, thicker necks, and proportionally longer and broader wings. Bald Eagles reach 28 to 40 inches long with wingspans of 66 to 90 inches, while even the largest hawks in Georgia (Red-tailed) max out around 25 inches long with wingspans under 60 inches. In flight, Bald Eagles hold their wings flat in a plank-like posture, whereas hawks tend to hold wings in a slight V or dihedral angle. Adult Bald Eagles in flight look nearly all dark with a glowing white head and neck, while juvenile eagles appear uniformly dark brown with no white until they reach maturity around 4 or 5 years old. Hawks show rufous breasts, barred plumage, or reddish tails; Bald Eagles show none of these features once they mature.
Keep exploring
More places to see eagle
More wildlife in Georgia
Common questions about eagles