24 Types of Eagles in Texas
Yes, two main eagle species live in Texas: bald eagles and golden eagles. Bald eagles are highly migratory, with thousands arriving in Texas from November through March to winter along coastal areas, rivers, and lakes, then breeding in smaller numbers along the Upper Texas Coast. Golden eagles are year-round residents across open and semi-open terrain, particularly in West Texas. Distinguishing them is straightforward once you know what to look for, and both species offer genuine viewing opportunities if you match habitat and season to their movement patterns.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- January, December, April
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
24 types of eagles recorded in Texas
24 eagle species have a verified observation record in Texas 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 Texas
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Gray HawkButeo plagiatus | Buteo plagiatus | 1,417 |
| 14 | Zone-tailed HawkNativeButeo albonotatus | Buteo albonotatus | 1,106 |
| 15 | Ferruginous HawkNativeButeo regalis | Buteo regalis | 942 |
| 16 | Swallow-tailed KiteNativeElanoides forficatus | Elanoides forficatus | 845 |
| 17 | Common Black HawkButeogallus anthracinus | Buteogallus anthracinus | 290 |
| 18 | Hook-billed KiteChondrohierax uncinatus | Chondrohierax uncinatus | 205 |
| 19 | Golden EagleAquila chrysaetos | Aquila chrysaetos | 193 |
| 20 | Roadside HawkRupornis magnirostris | Rupornis magnirostris | 186 |
| 21 | Rough-legged HawkNativeButeo lagopus | Buteo lagopus | 123 |
| 22 | Snail KiteRostrhamus sociabilis | Rostrhamus sociabilis | 52 |
| 23 | Short-tailed HawkButeo brachyurus | Buteo brachyurus | 45 |
| 24 | Crane HawkGeranospiza caerulescens | Geranospiza caerulescens | 12 |
Plus 2 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 Texas:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
112,388 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in Texas, most often in January, December, April.
Yes, two main eagle species live in Texas: bald eagles and golden eagles. Bald eagles are highly migratory, with thousands arriving in Texas from November through March to winter along coastal areas, rivers, and lakes, then breeding in smaller numbers along the Upper Texas Coast. Golden eagles are year-round residents across open and semi-open terrain, particularly in West Texas. Distinguishing them is straightforward once you know what to look for, and both species offer genuine viewing opportunities if you match habitat and season to their movement patterns.
Are there really bald eagles in Texas?
Yes. Bald eagles are common winter visitors to Texas from November through March, with peak activity in December and January. The state hosts one of the largest wintering populations in the lower 48 states, concentrated along the Gulf Coast, major river systems, and large reservoirs. Smaller numbers breed year-round along the Upper Texas Coast near Jefferson County. The iNaturalist database records over 7,000 observations of bald eagles in Texas, reflecting their reliable presence during winter months.
What is the difference between bald and golden eagles?
Bald eagles are instantly recognizable: adults have white heads and necks contrasting sharply with dark brown bodies and wings, plus a yellow beak, eye-ring, and cere (the fleshy area at the base of the upper beak). Golden eagles are entirely brown to dark brown, with golden-tawny plumage on the crown and nape; they lack the stark white-and-brown pattern of bald eagles. In flight, bald eagles hold their wings flat, while golden eagles often hold them in a slight V-shape. Immature bald eagles (under four years old) are dark brown overall and can cause confusion, but they retain darker plumage on the head and neck rather than the uniform brown of golden eagles.
Which eagle species does Texas have year-round?
Golden eagles are the year-round resident. They inhabit open grasslands, mesas, and semi-open terrain across West Texas, the Hill Country, and portions of South Texas. Bald eagles are strictly seasonal, arriving in fall and departing in spring. If you see an eagle perched on rocky terrain or hunting over open land in July or August, it is almost certainly a golden eagle.
What size are eagles in Texas?
Bald eagles are larger, with wingspans ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet and body length of 28 to 40 inches. Golden eagles are only slightly smaller, with wingspans of 5.5 to 7.5 feet and body length of 26 to 40 inches. In the field, this size overlap makes field marks (head color, plumage pattern) more useful than size alone for quick identification. When perched, bald eagles appear heavier and more substantial, while golden eagles look leaner and more angular.
How do you identify a young bald eagle?
Immature bald eagles are the most confusing species in Texas. Young bald eagles (first through third year) lack the distinctive white head and are dark brown overall, similar in appearance to golden eagles. However, immature bald eagles show white splotches or patches on the underwings, undertail coverts, and sometimes the thigh area, whereas golden eagles are uniformly dark. The white areas grow more extensive with each molt until, by age four or five, the classic adult pattern emerges. Checking the tail and underwing pattern is the surest way to tell them apart.
Can you find both eagle species in Texas at the same time?
Yes, but in different habitats and seasons. Bald eagles concentrate along major water systems, coastal areas, and reservoirs from November through March. During this winter period, golden eagles are still present in open and semi-open terrain across West Texas and the Hill Country. The two species generally do not overlap much in habitat preference, so a visitor looking for bald eagles (waterside) and golden eagles (open upland) can encounter both by visiting the right locations in the right season. Late winter (January and February) offers the highest combined likelihood of seeing both species.
Do eagle calls help identify them?
Yes, but bald eagles are known for an oddly weak, high-pitched chirping call that catches many birders off guard, it does not match the fierce appearance. Golden eagles are generally quieter but occasionally produce low croaks or barks, especially near nests. Calls are useful when you hear them, but visual identification by plumage and size remains the primary tool, especially when viewing eagles at a distance or from below.
How common are bald eagles versus golden eagles in Texas?
Bald eagles are far more numerous during winter months, with peak populations in December and January. iNaturalist records show over 7,000 bald eagle observations in Texas, reflecting their high visibility during the winter concentration. Golden eagles are less frequently documented in iNaturalist records but remain year-round residents across suitable habitat. In raw numbers, bald eagles dominate the observation database due to their winter aggregation and proximity to populated areas, water access, and viewing locations. Golden eagles, being spread across West Texas and the Hill Country year-round, are less densely observed.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of eagles live in Texas?+
Yes. Bald eagles are common winter visitors to Texas from November through March, with peak activity in December and January. The state hosts one of the largest wintering populations in the lower 48 states, concentrated along the Gulf Coast, major river systems, and large reservoirs. Smaller numbers breed year-round along the Upper Texas Coast near Jefferson County. The iNaturalist database records over 7,000 observations of bald eagles in Texas, reflecting their reliable presence during winter months.
How do you tell eagles apart in Texas?+
Yes. Bald eagles are common winter visitors to Texas from November through March, with peak activity in December and January. The state hosts one of the largest wintering populations in the lower 48 states, concentrated along the Gulf Coast, major river systems, and large reservoirs. Smaller numbers breed year-round along the Upper Texas Coast near Jefferson County. The iNaturalist database records over 7,000 observations of bald eagles in Texas, reflecting their reliable presence during winter months.
Which eagle is most common in Texas?+
Yes. Bald eagles are common winter visitors to Texas from November through March, with peak activity in December and January. The state hosts one of the largest wintering populations in the lower 48 states, concentrated along the Gulf Coast, major river systems, and large reservoirs. Smaller numbers breed year-round along the Upper Texas Coast near Jefferson County. The iNaturalist database records over 7,000 observations of bald eagles in Texas, reflecting their reliable presence during winter months.
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