By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
Texas is big. And so are its birds of prey. If you look up while near a lake, river or open field, you just might see one of these powerful raptors soaring overhead. Some live here year-round. Others are rare visitors passing through.
Here are five eagles you can spot in the Lone Star State.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is America’s national bird and one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Adults have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies. You’ll usually find them near large lakes and rivers where they can hunt for fish. In Texas, they breed in the eastern part of the state and winter near big water bodies across the state.
Size
Length: 28–40 inches.
Wingspan: 6–8 feet.
Weight: 6–14 pounds.
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
2. Golden Eagle
Golden Eagles are powerful and swift, known for their golden-brown feathers and fierce hunting skills. They prefer open country, like hills, deserts and wide plains. In Texas, they are mostly seen in the western and central parts of the state, especially during cooler months.
They can spot prey from high above and dive at incredible speeds.
Size
Length: 27–33 inches.
Wingspan: 6–7.5 feet.
Weight: 7–14 pounds.
Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
3. Crested Caracara
Even though it’s not technically an eagle, the Crested Caracara is often called the “Mexican Eagle” and is part of the falcon family. It has a striking look with a bold black cap, orange face and long yellow legs. These birds are common in southern Texas and are often seen walking on the ground or feeding on roadkill. They are smart, opportunistic and hard to miss.
Size
Length: 20–25 inches.
Wingspan: 47–52 inches.
Weight: 1.75–3.5 pounds.
Scientific Name: Caracara plancus
4. Steller's Sea Eagle (Rare Visitor)
This enormous eagle is native to Asia but has been spotted in North America a few times, including rare sightings in Texas. Steller’s Sea Eagles have bright yellow beaks, dark bodies and huge wings. They are extremely rare in the U.S., so if you ever see one, consider yourself very lucky. Most sightings happen in winter near large bodies of water.
Size
Length: 34–41 inches.
Wingspan: 7.5–8.2 feet.
Weight: 15–20 pounds.
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus pelagicus
5. White-tailed Eagle (Extremely Rare Visitor)
This eagle is even rarer than the Steller’s. White-tailed Eagles are usually found in Europe and Asia but have been recorded just a few times in North America. They look similar to Bald Eagles but have broader wings and shorter necks. A sighting in Texas would be big news in the birding world.
Size
Length: 27–37 inches.
Wingspan: 6.5–8 feet.
Weight: 9–15 pounds.
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus albicilla
Where to Spot Eagles in Texas
Texas is a massive state, and its skies are home to some truly impressive raptors. While spotting these powerful birds requires keeping your eyes to the sky, knowing their preferred hangouts can greatly increase your chances.
Here’s where to look for eagles in the Lone Star State:
• Bald Eagle: Our national bird loves large bodies of water. Look for them soaring or perched near major lakes and rivers across Texas. They breed in the eastern part of the state and spend their winters near big water sources statewide.
• Golden Eagle: These powerful hunters prefer wide, open spaces. You’re most likely to find them in the western and central parts of Texas,
especially during the cooler months, soaring over hills, deserts, and vast plains.
• Crested Caracara: Often called the “Mexican Eagle,” this unique bird is a common sight in southern Texas. You’ll frequently spot them walking on the
ground in open country or even scavenging along roadsides.
• Steller’s Sea Eagle & White-tailed Eagle (Extremely Rare Visitors): These two giants are incredibly rare sightings in Texas, usually found in other
parts of the world. If they do appear, it’s typically during winter months near large bodies of water. Spotting either of these is an extremely lucky,
once-in-a-lifetime event for birders in North America.
Texas skies are full of surprises. Have you ever spotted one of these incredible eagles?
Let us know which one is your favorite or still on your birding wish list.