11 Types of Eagles in Minnesota
11 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Minnesota. 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
11 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in Minnesota. 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
14,208 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Minnesota, most often in April, March, May.
| Species recorded in Minnesota | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bald Eagle | 6,691 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 2,586 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 1,387 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 1,235 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 539 |
| Northern Harrier | 493 |
When eagle are recorded in Minnesota
Verified species, source iNaturalist
11 types of eagles recorded in Minnesota
11 eagles species have a verified observation record in Minnesota 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 | 6,695 |
| 2 | Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | 2,588 |
| 3 | Cooper's Hawk | Astur cooperii | 1,388 |
| 4 | Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | 1,239 |
| 5 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | 539 |
| 6 | Northern Harrier | Circus hudsonius | 494 |
| 7 | Rough-legged Hawk | Buteo lagopus | 460 |
| 8 | Red-shouldered Hawk | Buteo lineatus | 292 |
| 9 | American Goshawk | Astur atricapillus | 75 |
| 10 | Swainson's Hawk | Buteo swainsoni | 74 |
| 11 | Golden Eagle | Aquila chrysaetos | 73 |
Plus 3 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 6,695 verified observations — about 48% of all eagles reported in Minnesota. If you spot a eagle here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.
Minnesota also hosts less common eagles such as American Goshawk, Swainson's Hawk and Golden Eagle, each recorded fewer than 100 times. These are the species worth a second look when you are out, since a sighting is more notable.