10 Types of Eagles in North Dakota

Bald eagles are the primary eagle species in North Dakota. These dark-bodied raptors with white heads and white tails are the most frequently observed, with nearly 1,400 verified sightings across the state. Golden eagles are the second species, recorded about 72 times in the state. Golden eagles lack the white markings and instead show uniform dark brown plumage with golden tones on the head and neck. Both species favor areas near open water where they can hunt fish and waterfowl.

Eagles are present in North Dakota year-round, but sightings peak during spring and fall migration. The top months for eagle observation are April, May, and March, when bald eagles return from their wintering grounds and pass through on their way to breeding areas. Both species are also active during winter, especially along unfrozen river corridors. Summer sightings remain possible, though less frequent, as breeding birds establish territories along major waterways. Fall brings another pulse of passage birds moving south.

Bald eagles in North Dakota exhibit both migratory and resident behavior. Many are long-distance migrants that breed in Canada and winter farther south, passing through or stopping in North Dakota during April and May on the way north, and again in fall. However, a population of bald eagles remains year-round, especially along the Missouri River and other rivers that stay partially ice-free. Golden eagles are primarily spring and fall migrants in North Dakota, passing through during March through May and again from September to November. They breed in higher elevations to the west and winter farther south and west.

Both bald and golden eagles are carnivorous hunters. Bald eagles specialize in fish, using their powerful talons to snatch fish from the water while flying low just above the surface. They also hunt waterfowl, muskrats, and other mammals when fish are scarce. Golden eagles are generalist hunters that rely more on mammals, especially prairie dogs, ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and hares across North Dakota's grasslands. Golden eagles can take prey up to the size of a fox, while bald eagles focus on smaller targets they can carry. Both species will scavenge carrion, particularly roadkill, especially in winter when live prey is harder to find.

Female eagles are noticeably larger than males in both species, a pattern known as reverse sexual dimorphism. A female bald eagle may measure 35 to 37 inches and weigh up to 15 pounds, while males average 26 to 30 inches and weigh about 10 pounds. Despite their smaller size, males are more acrobatic and agile hunters. In bald eagles, both sexes develop the white head and dark body at the same age, making them equally identifiable. Female golden eagles are also larger and heavier than males, and both sexes show the same plumage pattern, so sex cannot be determined by appearance alone in the field.

Yes, both bald and golden eagles are fully protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It is illegal to hunt, capture, or kill eagles, and even possessing a feather or talon without a special permit is a federal crime. North Dakota hunting regulations also prohibit any take of these birds. The penalties for violations are steep. This protection reflects the conservation recovery of bald eagles from the brink of extinction. Nesting sites and areas where eagles concentrate receive extra attention from wildlife agencies and volunteers to minimize human disturbance during breeding and migration seasons.