Golden Eagle: Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder for October 29
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
What it looks like: This large raptor, one of the largest in North America, is often overlooked because of its cursory similarity in appearance to Turkey Vultures and sub-adult Bald Eagles. With a wing span of nearly seven feet, it is a large presence when mixing with our local birds.
The golden feathers on its nape are diagnostic in identifying this species, but are not always visible at longer distances. Wings are very broad; head relatively small compared to Bald Eagle.
Juvenile birds are easier to identify when exhibiting the distinctive white base to the tail feathers. White bases seen in outer secondaries are helpful but not always present.
Where to find it: More commonly seen to our west and north, Golden Eagles are found in Connecticut primarily during the fall migration and when a few appear in winter months. Most reports come from the hawk watches conducted in a few spots across the state in September and October. Winter reports are usually from the Connecticut River Valley and are most typically sub-adult individuals.
How to find it: The best way to see one is to join one of the hawk watches, where visitors are generally welcomed. Otherwise, find yourself a grand vista along a ridgeline where other raptors are migrating. Big views are great! Along Connecticut’s trap rock ridges will work well during the fall.
One or two individuals are found from the Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel Eagle Boats each winter where, when seen near Bald Eagles, they offer a fine side-by-side comparison of these two North American eagles.
What if it isn’t there: The best Golden Eagle locations are all about the raptors. Look for many of the expected species like Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Cooper’s Hawk. Less common are species like Northern Goshawk and Rough-legged Hawk.
Conservation status: Golden Eagle is considered rare in the east, but each year Connecticut touts about a dozen sightings. Golden Eagle has been seen all across the state, on occasion scavenging deer carcasses and even pursuing deer through the woods.
This impressive predator is usually preying on rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammal species who generally do not ingest pesticides, thus resulting in the Golden Eagle not having fallen victim to DDT and related chemicals that so prevalently harmed other top-of-the-line predators like Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Brown Pelican in the 1960s and 1970s.
Golden Eagle populations have remained stable over the last several decades according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The global breeding population is estimated to be 300,000 with 35 percent spending some part of the year in the United States.
This week’s Connecticut Audubon Society Bird Finder was written by Andy Griswold, Connecticut Audubon’s EcoTravel director, and edited by Tom Andersen.
Photo by Juan Lacruz.
