13 Types of Eagles in Michigan
13 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Michigan. The most frequently recorded are Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
Quick Answer
13 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Michigan. The most frequently recorded are Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
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Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
11,766 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Michigan, most often in April, May, August.
| Species recorded in Michigan | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 3,693 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 3,573 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 1,717 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 555 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 498 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 434 |
When eagle are recorded in Michigan
Verified species, source iNaturalist
13 types of eagles recorded in Michigan
13 eagles species have a verified observation record in Michigan 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.
| # | Species | Scientific name | Verified records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bald Eagle | Haliaeetus leucocephalus | 3,701 |
| 2 | Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | 3,576 |
| 3 | Cooper's Hawk | Astur cooperii | 1,719 |
| 4 | Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | 556 |
| 5 | Red-shouldered Hawk | Buteo lineatus | 499 |
| 6 | Rough-legged Hawk | Buteo lagopus | 434 |
| 7 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | 409 |
| 8 | Northern Harrier | Circus hudsonius | 355 |
| 9 | Golden Eagle | Aquila chrysaetos | 142 |
| 10 | American Goshawk | Astur atricapillus | 83 |
| 11 | Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus | 19 |
| 12 | Mississippi Kite | Ictinia mississippiensis | 17 |
| 13 | Swainson's Hawk | Buteo swainsoni | 15 |
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Gear and field guides
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the most commonly recorded, with 3,701 verified observations — about 32% of all eagles reported in Michigan. If you spot a eagle here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.
Michigan also hosts less common eagles such as American Goshawk, Swallow-tailed Kite and Mississippi Kite, each recorded fewer than 100 times. These are the species worth a second look when you are out, since a sighting is more notable.