By Avian Feathers Team
Published July 2025
North Carolina’s mix of wetlands, forests, and mountains provides great habitat for a few majestic eagles. While some live here year-round, others pass through or appear rarely. Keep your eyes on the skies, these birds are big, bold, and unforgettable.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is the most well-known eagle in North Carolina. With its white head and tail, dark brown body, and bright yellow beak, it’s easy to recognize. These eagles live near lakes, rivers, and reservoirs where they hunt fish. You might see them soaring overhead or perched in tall pine trees. Bald Eagles are making a strong comeback and are now fairly common in many parts of the state.
Size
Length: 28–40 in (71–102 cm)
Wingspan: 71–91 in (1.8–2.3 m)
Weight: 6.5–14 lbs (3–6.3 kg)
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
2. Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are rare but powerful raptors that sometimes pass through North Carolina, especially in the mountains during winter. They are dark brown all over, with golden feathers on the back of the head and neck. Golden Eagles prefer remote areas with cliffs or open country where they can hunt rabbits and groundhogs. Spotting one in North Carolina is a lucky treat for birders.
Size
Length: 26–40 in (66–102 cm)
Wingspan: 71–92 in (1.8–2.3 m)
Weight: 6–15 lbs (2.7–6.8 kg)
Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
3. White-tailed Eagle
This rare visitor is native to Europe and Asia but has been spotted in North America on very rare occasions. It resembles a Bald Eagle but lacks the bright white head and tail. Instead, it has a paler, gray-brown look with broad wings. White-tailed Eagles are extremely uncommon in North Carolina, but birders sometimes report sightings during unusual migrations.
Size
Length: 27–37 in (69–94 cm)
Wingspan: 79–96 in (2–2.45 m)
Weight: 7.9–15.4 lbs (3.6–7 kg)
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus albicilla
North Carolina’s diverse and rich natural environments offer compelling opportunities to witness the grandeur of eagles. While the Bald Eagle has made a remarkable recovery and is now a common sight near the state’s waterways, the elusive Golden Eagle presents a thrilling, albeit rare, challenge for mountain birders during the colder months. Furthermore, the occasional, truly exceptional appearance of a White-tailed Eagle underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of bird migration. These powerful raptors, each with their unique presence, contribute to the vibrant tapestry of North Carolina’s avian landscape, making every glimpse a memorable experience.
Where to Spot Eagles in North Carolina
North Carolina’s varied landscapes provide distinct opportunities for spotting these impressive eagles:
Bald Eagle: These iconic raptors are now fairly common and can be found across North Carolina, especially near lakes, large rivers, reservoirs, and coastal estuaries where fish are plentiful. Excellent places include Lake Mattamuskeet, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, Lake Norman, and along the Outer Banks, particularly near major bodies of water and during nesting season (late winter to early summer).
Golden Eagle: A rare winter visitor, primarily found in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and areas around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for them soaring over remote cliffs, ridges, and open country where they hunt.
White-tailed Eagle: This species is an extremely rare vagrant to North America, including North Carolina. Any sighting would be highly unusual and opportunistic, likely occurring along large coastal waterways, estuaries, or open areas if one were to stray. Birders typically rely on rare bird alerts for any chance of spotting such an exceptional visitor.
Have you ever seen an eagle flying over your neighborhood or favorite trail in North Carolina?
Let us know which one and where!