11 Types of Eagles in Montana

Bald eagles are larger, weighing 6.5 to 7.5 pounds with wingspans up to 7 feet. Adult bald eagles have white heads and necks with dark brown or black bodies and wings. Their beaks are large, yellow, and hooked. Golden eagles are slightly smaller, weighing 3 to 7.5 pounds with wingspans up to 7.5 feet. Golden eagles are uniformly dark brown overall with golden-brown feathering on the head and neck, particularly visible in sunlight. Their beaks are also hooked but darker than bald eagles. Immature bald eagles are all brown for their first four years and can be confused with young golden eagles, but bald eagles show white on the tail and undersides of wings as they mature.

In the air, bald eagles have a more powerful, flat-winged glide and often soar with their wings level. When perched, their body posture is more vertical. Golden eagles hold their wings in a slight V or dihedral shape while soaring and glide with more agility and grace. Bald eagles are heavier and more muscular, resulting in slower, more ponderous wingbeats. Golden eagles wing faster and turn more nimbly. Listen for calls: bald eagles make high-pitched whistles and chirps, while golden eagles are generally quiet or produce low yips.

Bald eagles are far more commonly observed in Montana, with 1,359 recorded sightings on iNaturalist compared to 323 for golden eagles. This reflects bald eagles' preference for water-adjacent habitats where fish are available, and Montana has extensive freshwater systems including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Golden eagles prefer open country and mountains but are present throughout the state, especially in western and south-central regions.

Bald eagles in Montana concentrate along major river systems and large lakes where they can hunt fish. The Missouri River, Yellowstone River, and Flathead Lake are key habitats. They breed near water from March through July and remain year-round in areas with open water for hunting. In winter, they congregate on partially frozen rivers where breaks in the ice allow access to fish. Bald eagles require tall trees for nesting and perching, so they favor cottonwood groves and ponderosa pine forests near water.

Golden eagles occupy open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, sage brush, and open rocky areas, often in foothills and mountains. They are found across Montana but concentrate in the southwestern part of the state, the Missouri Breaks, and high country. Golden eagles hunt ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rabbits, and other small mammals from the ground or slow flight over open terrain. They require nesting ledges on cliffs or large trees and typically breed March through August.

Both species are present year-round, but peak sightings occur May through August. During these months, eagles are engaged in nesting and raising young, making them more active and visible. Bald eagles are easiest to spot near rivers and lakes during spring migration in March and April, and again in November when migrating birds move through. Winter is also excellent for bald eagle viewing because they gather on unfrozen sections of rivers. Golden eagles are visible throughout the year but are most active during their breeding season, May through August.

Immature bald eagles spend their first four years in progressively darker brown plumage, not acquiring the white head and neck until age four or five. Young bald eagles can easily be mistaken for golden eagles or other large hawks. Golden eagle juveniles are uniformly brown with pale patches at the base of primary feathers and on the tail, giving them a two-toned wing appearance. Immature golden eagles gradually acquire more golden head plumage as they mature but retain some brown coloring for several years. Size and shape are the most reliable way to distinguish immature bald eagles from golden eagles, as young bald eagles are still noticeably larger and heavier.

Bald eagles are specialist fish hunters, diving from the air or snatching fish from the water surface. They require bodies of water with sufficient fish populations and will supplement with waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. Golden eagles are hunters of ground squirrels, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, and hares. They hunt by soaring low over open country and striking prey on the ground with their powerful talons. In winter, both species will scavenge large mammal carrion when live prey is scarce.

Yes, but not commonly in the same habitat. Bald eagles concentrate near water where fish are available, while golden eagles prefer open terrain. However, in broader regions like western Montana or around larger lakes surrounded by open country, both species occur. Observers might see a bald eagle at Flathead Lake and a golden eagle in the Mission Mountains overlooking the lake, for example. The Missouri Breaks region offers habitat suitable for both species, though at different elevations and distances from water.

Several large hawks occur in Montana and can be confused with eagles by inexperienced observers. Red-tailed hawks are common but smaller, with red tails on adults and a dark belly band. Swainson's hawks have two-toned wings and are smaller and lighter than eagles. Rough-legged hawks and Ferruginous hawks are large but still noticeably smaller than bald or golden eagles and show different silhouettes and movement patterns. Northern harriers are much smaller with longer tails and distinctive V-shaped glides. Size, proportions, and head shape are the most reliable ways to confirm you are observing an actual eagle rather than a large hawk.

Both bald eagles and golden eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Bald eagles also receive special protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits capturing, killing, injuring, or disturbing eagles or their nests, eggs, and feathers. Penalties for violations are substantial, including fines and potential imprisonment. Montana state law also protects eagles. This means that photographing, observing, and studying eagles is legal, but any action that harms or harasses them is prohibited.