2 Types of Eagles in Georgia (With Pictures)
Georgia is a special place with two kinds of eagles. The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle live there. They are both amazing to see. With big wings and special looks, they catch everyone’s eye. This guide will show you how to tell them apart in Georgia.
Now, we start a fun trip to learn more about these eagles. First is the Bald Eagle, the symbol of the United States. Then, we have the Golden Eagle, known for its strength and being hard to spot. By the end, you’ll know how to spot these great birds all over Georgia.
Majestic Birds of Prey: Eagles in Georgia
Georgia is lucky to host two amazing eagle species. There’s the well-known Bald Eagle and the striking Golden Eagle. They are large and known for their sharp eyes and hunting ability. When flying or sitting high, these birds draw bird lovers and nature fans.
The Bald Eagle, known as the U.S. national symbol, is often seen in Georgia near rivers and the coast. It has a wingspan of 66 to 96 inches and weighs 6.6 to 13.8 lbs. You can easily spot them with their white heads. Watching them in nature is a real pleasure.
Golden Eagles are not seen as often in Georgia. These hunters prefer meals like rabbits and squirrels, making up most of their diet in the West. They have a wingspan of 70 to 90 inches and weigh 6.4 to 13.2 lbs. Seeing a Golden Eagle is a sign of Georgia’s rich and abundant wildlife.
| Characteristic | Bald Eagle | Golden Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 20-30 years | 30 years |
| Wingspan | 66-96 inches | 70-90 inches |
| Weight | 6.6-13.8 lbs | 6.4-13.2 lbs |
The Bald and Golden Eagles have greatly helped Georgia’s environment. In 1940, the Eagle Protection Act stopped their illegal hunting. Thanks to this, more Bald Eagles now live in Georgia, with 229 nests found in 2022. The Golden Eagles’ numbers are harder to track, but their more frequent viewing is a good omen.
Georgia’s eagles are a highlight for bird lovers and fans of nature. The iconic Bald Eagle and impressive Golden Eagle continue to attract and delight anyone who sees them in the Peach State.
1. Bald Eagle
- Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Life span: 20-30 years
- Size: 2.5 to 3 feet
- Weight: 6.6 to 13,8 lbs
- Wingspan: 66 to 96 in
- Status: Least Concern
The bald eagle is known worldwide for its white head and tail. It is the official national symbol of the United States. The Haliaeetus leucocephalus stands out from other eagle species found in Georgia.
Identification and Appearance
Bald eagles are dark brown with a white head and tail, and a yellow beak. They’re one of North America’s biggest birds of prey, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet. Adult bald eagles are recognizable because of their distinct features.
Juvenile bald eagles look different, sporting a dark brown head and tail. This can make identifying them confusing to some eagle identification.
Habitat and Range
Georgia bald eagles live around the state’s water bodies. They frequent lakes, rivers, and the coast. These places are great for hunting fish, their main food.
Bald eagles need about 25 square miles for hunting. This large territory is essential for their survival.
Almost going extinct in the 1950s, they’ve made a big comeback. Georgia saw 218 nests in 2017, with 142 successful. By 2020, the state had 71 nest territories just in the coastal counties.
“The bald eagle became the official emblem of the United States in 1782, chosen for its strength, majestic beauty, courage, and freedom.”
In 1782, the Second Continental Congress picked the bald eagle as a symbol. This was over Benjamin Franklin’s preference for the wild turkey. The eagle now symbolizes America’s values and history, seen on seals, documents, and the $1 bill.
2. Golden Eagle
- Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
- Life span: 30 years
- Size: 33 inches
- Weight: 6.4 to 13.2 lb
- Wingspan: 70 to 90 in
- Status: Least Concern
The golden eagle, known as Aquila Chrysaetos, is a grand hunter of the skies. They stand out with their dark brown body and golden-brown neck feathers. Their name comes from this golden shine.
Golden eagles are huge. They can stretch their wings up to 7.5 feet. They weigh about 13 pounds on average. If they spot prey, they dive at speeds reaching up to 150 miles per hour.
These raptors eat mostly small to medium-sized mammals like rabbits and ground squirrels. Even though they’re not seen often in Georgia, they live in the state’s mountains and open areas.
Yet, they are in danger. Lead from bullets can harm them when they eat off animal remains in winter. In 2013, a Wyoming wind farm incidentally killed 14 eagles. Later, a rule allowed for eagle deaths at wind farms.
Even with these issues, golden eagles show strength and bounce back. They highlight Georgia’s varied and vibrant wildlife.
Nesting Habits of Georgia’s Eagles
Georgia is known for its Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. These birds make big nests for their young. This shows how smart and strong they are.
Bald Eagles like to nest high in pine trees near water. Their nests are huge. A nest can be up to 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Both parents help raise the babies until they can fly well on their own.
Golden Eagles choose to nest on cliffs or in trees with a clear view. Their nests are very well built.
The eagle population in Georgia is getting bigger every year. In 2019, there were more nests than ever before – 229. And out of these nests, 146 of them were successful in raising young eagles. This shows how well the eagles are doing in Georgia.
A bird flu outbreak hurt eagle nests near the coast. But, in other parts of Georgia, the nests were mostly successful. The northeast part did the best with a 90% success rate.
Since 2015, Georgia has seen over 200 nest territories every year. This shows that our efforts to help the eagles are working. It’s proof that with care, these eagles can thrive.
The Bald Eagle is very important in America. In Georgia, their numbers are growing fast. More than 75% of the nests are now successful. This is due to a ban on DDT that helped them recover.
Georgia’s team checks on the eagles twice a year from helicopters. They find new nests and learn about the eagle’s life. Even after hurricanes, the eagles find ways to survive.
The Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle are both loved in Georgia. People are amazed by these great birds. They show us how nature can bounce back if we protect it.
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Eagles in Georgia: Population and Conservation
In the mid-20th century, Georgia’s eagle populations dropped a lot. This was due to pesticides like DDT. But now, thanks to conservation work and banning these harmful pesticides, the Bald Eagle is back. It’s not uncommon to see them in Georgia. More than 200 active nests have been found in recent years.
The Golden Eagle is rarer in Georgia but the overall eagle population is strong and steady here. Since 2007, the number of bald eagle nest territories has doubled. This growth shows the success of conservation efforts. For example, more than 200 nests were found in the latest survey.
Nest success is high in some regions, reaching 90% in the east/northeast. Efforts to protect these birds will continue. For instance, people buying special license plates help fund eagle conservation. With the bald eagle making a remarkable return, Georgia’s skies will keep hosting these important birds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. How rare are bald eagles in Georgia?
Bald eagles are not very rare in Georgia. Their population has been increasing due to conservation efforts.
Q2. Do eagles live in Atlanta?
Yes, eagles, including bald eagles, can be found in and around Atlanta, particularly near large bodies of water.
Q3. What country is famous for eagles?
The United States is famous for eagles, especially the bald eagle, which is the national bird and symbol of the country.
Q4. Are there bald eagles in Georgian Bay?
Yes, bald eagles can be found in Georgian Bay, especially around the islands and shoreline areas.
