13 Types of Eagles in Kansas
Yes, there are two types of eagles that can be found in Kansas: 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 in the western regions. Both species are magnificent birds of prey that rely on Kansas's diverse landscapes, from the tallgrass prairies of the east to the shortgrass plains of the west, for hunting and nesting.
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
13 types of eagles recorded in Kansas
13 eagle species have a verified observation record in Kansas 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 Kansas
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Swallow-tailed KiteElanoides forficatus | Elanoides forficatus | 11 |
Plus 3 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 Kansas:
Yes, there are two types of eagles that can be found in Kansas: 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 in the western regions. Both species are magnificent birds of prey that rely on Kansas's diverse landscapes, from the tallgrass prairies of the east to the shortgrass plains of the west, for hunting and nesting.
What is the bald eagle in Kansas?
The bald eagle is the most well-known and common eagle type in Kansas. Once a rare sight, they have made a spectacular recovery and are now found nesting in many counties. They are primarily fish-eaters and are most often seen near large reservoirs and major rivers, such as Clinton Lake and the Kansas River, where they can easily find food throughout the year.
What is the golden eagle in Kansas?
The golden eagle is a rare winter visitor to Kansas, primarily seen in the western third of the state. Unlike bald eagles, they prefer more open, hilly terrain and hunt small mammals like rabbits and prairie dogs. They are most frequently spotted in the more rugged parts of the Cimarron grasslands, where the landscape more closely resembles their preferred western habitat.
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 grasslands. Bald eagles are also slightly larger on average than golden eagles.
Where can you see both types in Kansas?
The best chance to see both types of eagles is in the larger state parks and wildlife areas during the winter. The Cheyenne Bottoms and the areas around the large reservoirs in western Kansas 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 central wetlands, 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 Kansas today?
Kansas is now home to over 150 active bald eagle nesting pairs, a massive increase from the late 20th century. The population continues to grow and expand into new areas. In contrast, golden eagles do not nest in Kansas; 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 Kansas?+
The bald eagle is the most well-known and common eagle type in Kansas. Once a rare sight, they have made a spectacular recovery and are now found nesting in many counties. They are primarily fish-eaters and are most often seen near large reservoirs and major rivers, such as Clinton Lake and the Kansas River, where they can easily find food throughout the year.
What is the golden eagle in Kansas?+
The golden eagle is a rare winter visitor to Kansas, primarily seen in the western third of the state. Unlike bald eagles, they prefer more open, hilly terrain and hunt small mammals like rabbits and prairie dogs. They are most frequently spotted in the more rugged parts of the Cimarron grasslands, where the landscape more closely resembles their preferred western habitat.
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 grasslands. Bald eagles are also slightly larger on average than golden eagles.
Where can you see both types in Kansas?+
The best chance to see both types of eagles is in the larger state parks and wildlife areas during the winter. The Cheyenne Bottoms and the areas around the large reservoirs in western Kansas 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 central wetlands, 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 Kansas today?+
Kansas is now home to over 150 active bald eagle nesting pairs, a massive increase from the late 20th century. The population continues to grow and expand into new areas. In contrast, golden eagles do not nest in Kansas; 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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More wildlife in Kansas
Common questions about eagles