By Avian Feathers Team
Published August 2025
From snowy mountain peaks to wide open plains, Colorado is prime eagle territory. Whether you’re scanning the sky on a chilly morning or exploring high desert cliffs, these majestic birds are worth keeping an eye out for. Some are regulars. Others are rare surprises. But all are unforgettable.
Here are four eagles you might spot in the Centennial State.
1. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a year-round resident in Colorado and one of the most iconic birds in North America. With its stark white head and tail, chocolate-brown body, and piercing yellow eyes, it’s hard to miss. These powerful raptors are often seen near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs—especially in winter when food is more concentrated. Watch for them perched high in cottonwoods or soaring with slow, deep wingbeats.
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
The Golden Eagle is a true mountain hunter. Unlike the fish-loving Bald Eagle, this one prefers rabbits, ground squirrels, and other small mammals. Covered in dark brown feathers with a golden shine on the back of its neck, this eagle is most often found in open country—grasslands, cliffs, and high plateaus. It’s bold, fast, and incredibly powerful.
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 massive eagle is native to Europe and Asia, not North America. But a few have wandered off-course and turned up in the U.S.—including a rare appearance in Colorado. The White-tailed Eagle looks like a giant version of a Bald Eagle, but with a paler head and less contrast between body and tail. If one is spotted, birders will drop everything for a glimpse.
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
4. Steller’s Sea Eagle
This is the rarest of the rare, a true celebrity in the bird world. Native to far eastern Russia, the Steller’s Sea Eagle is a giant with bold black-and-white feathers and a massive yellow beak. Only a handful have ever been seen in North America. But in recent years, one famously traveled across the U.S., turning up in a few unexpected states, including Colorado.
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
Oregon’s diverse and rugged landscapes provide an ideal environment for observing some of North America’s most impressive raptors. While the majestic Bald Eagle is a common and celebrated sight along the state’s waterways, the powerful Golden Eagle reigns supreme in the open expanses of eastern Oregon. The extremely rare, yet occasional, appearance of a White-tailed Eagle further adds to the state’s allure for dedicated birders, highlighting the unpredictable wonders of avian migration. These three magnificent eagle species collectively showcase Oregon’s rich biodiversity and offer awe-inspiring moments for anyone looking to the skies.
Where to Spot Eagles in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse habitats offer distinct opportunities to spot these powerful eagles:
Bald Eagle: As a year-round resident, this eagle is common across the state, especially near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Prime viewing spots include areas along the Platte River, Barr Lake State Park, and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Look for them soaring or perched in tall cottonwood trees, particularly in the winter when they gather at open water sources.
Golden Eagle: This mountain hunter is widespread in Colorado’s open country, high plateaus, grasslands, and cliffs. Look for them soaring over the eastern plains, the Foothills, and throughout the mountainous regions of the state. They are a common sight in areas like the Pawnee National Grassland and the high desert canyons of western Colorado.
White-tailed Eagle: This eagle is an extremely rare vagrant to North America. Any sighting in Colorado is considered an exceptional event. Spotting one would be highly opportunistic and rely on luck and birding alert networks. Its appearance is not predictable.
Steller’s Sea Eagle: This is one of the rarest birds ever seen in Colorado. As a vagrant from far eastern Russia, any sighting is an unprecedented event. Like the White-tailed Eagle, its presence is a matter of chance and would be widely reported by the birding community.
Eagle watching in Colorado can be thrilling, especially when the unexpected shows up.
Have you seen any of these in the wild? Let us know which eagle you’d love to spot.