11 Types of Eagles in Iowa
Yes, there are two types of eagles that can be found in Iowa: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. While bald eagles are a common and widespread resident across the state, golden eagles are much rarer and are typically seen only during the winter months. Both species are magnificent birds of prey that rely on Iowa's diverse landscapes, from the steep bluffs of the Mississippi River to the rolling Loess Hills, for hunting and nesting. Iowa is now one of the top states in the country for seeing bald eagles in the wild.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
11 types of eagles recorded in Iowa
11 eagle species have a verified observation record in Iowa 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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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 Iowa:
Yes, there are two types of eagles that can be found in Iowa: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. While bald eagles are a common and widespread resident across the state, golden eagles are much rarer and are typically seen only during the winter months. Both species are magnificent birds of prey that rely on Iowa's diverse landscapes, from the steep bluffs of the Mississippi River to the rolling Loess Hills, for hunting and nesting. Iowa is now one of the top states in the country for seeing bald eagles in the wild.
What is the bald eagle in Iowa?
The bald eagle is the most well-known and common eagle type in Iowa. Once endangered, they have made a spectacular recovery and are now found nesting in every county of the state. They are primarily fish-eaters and are most often seen near large lakes and rivers, such as the Upper Mississippi refuge and the Iowa River, where they can easily find food throughout the year.
What is the golden eagle in Iowa?
The golden eagle is a rare winter visitor to Iowa. Unlike bald eagles, they prefer more open, hilly terrain and hunt small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. They are most frequently spotted in the western part of the state, particularly in the Loess Hills, where the rugged landscape more closely resembles their preferred habitat in the western United States.
How do the two eagle types differ?
The main differences are their appearance and habitat. Adult bald eagles have the iconic white head and tail, while golden eagles are a uniform dark brown with golden-buff feathers on their neck. Bald eagles are closely tied to water and fish, while golden eagles are more terrestrial and prefer hunting in open fields and hills. Bald eagles are also slightly larger on average than golden eagles.
Where can you see both types in Iowa?
The best chance to see both types of eagles is in the larger state parks and wildlife areas during the winter. The Loess Hills and the areas along the Mississippi River are good locations. While bald eagles will be easy to find in large numbers, spotting a golden eagle requires a lot of patience and a good pair of binoculars as they are much more elusive.
Are there other large birds mistaken for eagles?
Yes, the turkey vulture is frequently mistaken for an eagle at a distance. However, vultures fly with their wings in a 'V' shape and have a rocking flight pattern, while eagles hold their wings perfectly flat. In the prairie preserves, you might also see sandhill cranes, which are large and gray but have a completely different silhouette and flight pattern than eagles.
How many eagles live in Iowa today?
Iowa is now home to over 500 active bald eagle nesting pairs, a massive increase from the mid-20th century. The population continues to grow and expand into new areas. In contrast, golden eagles do not nest in Iowa; only a small number, likely fewer than 100 individuals, winter in the state each year before returning to their northern and western breeding grounds.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the bald eagle in Iowa?+
The bald eagle is the most well-known and common eagle type in Iowa. Once endangered, they have made a spectacular recovery and are now found nesting in every county of the state. They are primarily fish-eaters and are most often seen near large lakes and rivers, such as the Upper Mississippi refuge and the Iowa River, where they can easily find food throughout the year.
What is the golden eagle in Iowa?+
The golden eagle is a rare winter visitor to Iowa. Unlike bald eagles, they prefer more open, hilly terrain and hunt small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. They are most frequently spotted in the western part of the state, particularly in the Loess Hills, where the rugged landscape more closely resembles their preferred habitat in the western United States.
How do the two eagle types differ?+
The main differences are their appearance and habitat. Adult bald eagles have the iconic white head and tail, while golden eagles are a uniform dark brown with golden-buff feathers on their neck. Bald eagles are closely tied to water and fish, while golden eagles are more terrestrial and prefer hunting in open fields and hills. Bald eagles are also slightly larger on average than golden eagles.
Where can you see both types in Iowa?+
The best chance to see both types of eagles is in the larger state parks and wildlife areas during the winter. The Loess Hills and the areas along the Mississippi River are good locations. While bald eagles will be easy to find in large numbers, spotting a golden eagle requires a lot of patience and a good pair of binoculars as they are much more elusive.
Are there other large birds mistaken for eagles?+
Yes, the turkey vulture is frequently mistaken for an eagle at a distance. However, vultures fly with their wings in a 'V' shape and have a rocking flight pattern, while eagles hold their wings perfectly flat. In the prairie preserves, you might also see sandhill cranes, which are large and gray but have a completely different silhouette and flight pattern than eagles.
How many eagles live in Iowa today?+
Iowa is now home to over 500 active bald eagle nesting pairs, a massive increase from the mid-20th century. The population continues to grow and expand into new areas. In contrast, golden eagles do not nest in Iowa; only a small number, likely fewer than 100 individuals, winter in the state each year before returning to their northern and western breeding grounds.
Keep exploring
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Common questions about eagles