By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
New York isn’t just skyscrapers and subways. Its wild spaces, from the Adirondacks to the Hudson River, are home to some of the most powerful birds on the planet. If you know where to look, these four eagles just might appear in your binoculars.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a conservation success story. Once nearly wiped out in the lower 48, these majestic birds now thrive again in New York. With their snowy heads and massive wings, they’re hard to miss. You’ll often find them perched in tall trees near rivers or soaring above lakes like the Hudson or Finger Lakes.
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 much rarer in New York, but you might spot one during migration or winter. They have dark brown feathers with a golden shimmer on the back of their necks. These powerful hunters prefer the quiet of mountainous regions. Keep your eyes on the skies in the Catskills or Adirondacks for a chance encounter.
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. Steller’s Sea Eagle
This giant eagle isn’t native to North America, but one shocked birders when it showed up in New York during a rare, long journey. With bold black-and-white feathers and a huge yellow beak, it’s truly unmistakable. If you ever hear one’s nearby, go, it could be a once in a lifetime sighting.
Size
Length: 33–41 in (85–105 cm)
Wingspan: 79–98 in (2–2.5 m)
Weight: 11–20 lbs (5–9 kg)
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus pelagicus
4. White-tailed Eagle
Another rare visitor from across the Atlantic, the White-tailed Eagle looks like a washed-out Bald Eagle. It has a pale head and tail, but lacks the sharp white contrast. Although sightings in New York are almost unheard of, birders always stay alert during odd migration years.
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
New York’s diverse landscapes offer surprising opportunities for eagle sightings, showcasing the state’s significant role in conservation and its appeal to rare avian visitors. From the soaring Bald Eagles, a testament to successful conservation efforts, to the elusive Golden Eagles of mountainous regions, birdwatchers have a chance to witness these magnificent raptors. While the Steller’s Sea Eagle and White-tailed Eagle remain exceptionally rare, their occasional appearances highlight New York’s unexpected allure for even the most far-flung species. Ultimately, keeping an eye on the skies in New York can lead to truly unforgettable encounters with some of the world’s most powerful and awe-inspiring birds.
Where to Spot Eagles in New York
New York’s wild spaces from the Adirondacks to the Hudson River are home to some of the most powerful birds on the planet. If you know where to look, these four eagles just might appear in your binoculars.
- Bald Eagle. Look near rivers and lakes like the Hudson or Finger Lakes, often perched in tall trees. They are a conservation success story and are now thriving year-round.
- Golden Eagle. Found in more quiet, mountainous regions. Try places like the Catskills or Adirondacks, especially during migration or winter.
- Steller’s Sea Eagle. This is an extremely rare visitor, not native to North America. If one appears, birdwatchers will usually hear about it through local bird alerts or reports from major wildlife areas due to its rarity.
- White-tailed Eagle. Also an exceptionally rare visitor from across the Atlantic. Watch birding networks and rare sighting updates. If one is ever spotted, it would be a very unusual event.
Have you ever seen an eagle in the wild?
Let us know which one’s on your birdwatching bucket list.