Other Differences Between Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles
Are bald eagles and golden eagles bigger?
Are bald eagles better than golden eagles?
Do golden eagles and bald eagles hang out together?
Which is the fastest eagle?
The bald eagle and the golden eagle are two of the most widely known and most searched eagles in the world. Both are related to the eagle family (kites, hawks, and hawks), but they belong to different groups. This article will highlight the key differences between bald eagles and golden eagles to help you identify and learn more about these majestic birds.
Adult vultures and golden eagles don’t look alike, but are easy to tell apart because vultures have white heads and tails, while golden eagles have dark brown heads and tails. However, juvenile vultures do look very similar to golden eagles, as they lack the white head and tail. One way to tell the difference between the two is that juvenile vultures have speckled white or tan plumage, mainly on their lower body, wings and under their tails. The golden eagle’s tail is not mottled, and there are no large areas of white on the wings and body.
There are many other differences, which we’ll detail below.
bald eagle
juvenile bald eagle
golden eagle in flight
Other Differences Between Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles
- Bald eagles have a more slender head profile. Their heads are larger, with protruding heads and beaks. On the other hand, the golden eagle has a smaller beak and head.
- Young or juvenile bald eagles have a darker beak and wax (the bare patch at the base of the upper side of the beak), while golden eagles have a yellow wax.
- Bald eagles are also only found in North America, while golden eagles are found throughout the ancient Arctic, North Africa, and North America.
- Golden eagles have marbling in their plumage, while vultures have speckled plumage.
- In flight, bald eagles tend to have flatter wings and a deeper flap than golden eagles.
- When perched, the feathers on the bald eagle’s head are often semi-erect, which can give the overall appearance a more chunky or blocky appearance.
- The tarsus (ankle) of juvenile vultures is featherless, while that of golden eagles is feathered – although this is usually only seen up close.
- bald eagle belongs to catfish genus, classifying it as a sea eagle.
- golden eagles belong Aquila genus, which is the genus of True Eagle, but both are eagles.
- Unlike the bald eagle, which typically preys on smaller animals such as fish, small mammals and carrion, the golden eagle preys on medium-sized mammals weighing up to 4kg and rarely forages above water.
Are bald eagles and golden eagles bigger?
Both bald eagles and golden eagles are very large birds of prey and similar in size, it can be difficult to tell them apart just by looking at the birds. As with many birds of prey, females are larger, 25 percent larger than males.
The average length of a golden eagle is between 70 – 99 cm. Wingspan 185 – 222 cm, weight 2,387 – 6,460 g (2.3 – 6.4 kg).
The average body length of a condor is between 71 – 96 cm, with a wingspan between 168 – 244 cm. The average weight is between 3,000 g – 6,300 g (3 – 6.3 kg).
Bald eagle in flight
Are bald eagles better than golden eagles?
No, the claws of golden eagles are stronger and more powerful than those of bald eagles. This is because golden eagles typically hunt larger prey than vultures, which typically eat fish, carrion, and land mammals such as hares and muskrats. Golden eagles, on the other hand, typically hunt medium-sized prey weighing up to 4 kg.
Do golden eagles and bald eagles hang out together?
Golden eagles are mostly solitary birds, so they mostly appear alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Bald eagles are more sociable and can tolerate other birds. However, vultures are highly competitive with other vultures, so they are not usually tolerated.
So in general, you are unlikely to see both golden eagles and bald eagles at the same time.
Which is the fastest eagle?
Golden eagles can dive at speeds of up to 200 mph (322 km/h), while bald eagles can dive at half that speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
The golden eagle’s dive speed is the second fastest bird in the world. The only bird that can go faster is the peregrine falcon, which can reach an incredible dive speed of 244 mph (389 km/h).
bald eagle
White-headed catfish
Bald eagle in flight
Portrait of a bald eagle
Bald eagle with fish caught from water
length:
71cm to 96cm
span:
168cm to 244cm
weight:
3 kg to 6.3 kg
bald eagle calling
David Bechkar, XC192236. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/192236.
golden eagle
Golden Eagle
golden eagle in flight
Golden eagle close-up – JoanneJean / Shutterstock.com
length:
75cm to 88cm
span:
204cm to 220cm
weight:
2.8 kg to 6.6 kg
male phone
Tero Linjama, XC341722. Available at www.xeno-canto.org/341722.
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Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
