Golden eagles are not commonly seen in Arkansas, but they have been spotted in the state. These majestic birds of prey prefer vast open areas such as landscapes that include cliffs, mountains, or hills. While they are not as abundant as bald eagles in Arkansas, golden eagles have been observed and even trapped for research purposes in the state.
Sightings and Presence of Golden Eagles in Arkansas
Despite their rarity, golden eagles have been documented in various parts of Arkansas. Here are some key details about their presence in the state:
- Occasional Sightings: Golden eagles are occasionally seen in Arkansas, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions of the state.
- Research Trapping: There have been instances where golden eagles have been trapped for research purposes in north-central Arkansas.
- Bald Eagles More Common: Bald eagles are more frequently observed in Arkansas, especially around bodies of water, compared to their golden counterparts.
Physical Characteristics of Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are impressive birds of prey with the following physical characteristics:
- Length: 26-40 inches (66-100 cm)
- Weight: 6.5-16 lbs (3-7 kg)
- Wingspan: 71-91 inches (1.8-2.3 meters)
- Appearance: Distinctive dark brown plumage with golden-colored feathers on the back of the head and neck, giving them their name.
Habitat and Behavior of Golden Eagles
Golden eagles prefer vast open areas with specific landscape features:
- Preferred Habitats: Cliffs, mountains, hills, grasslands, farmlands, shrublands, arctic tundra, and coniferous woodlands.
- Hunting Techniques: Known for their impressive flying skills, including picking up sticks or rocks and dropping them from a height, only to catch them again before they hit the ground. They also engage in cooperative hunting, where one bird ambushes the prey and drives it towards the second bird to make the kill.
- Vocalizations: Golden eagles are not extremely noisy, and their calls sound like weak, high-pitched whistles.
Conservation Challenges for Golden Eagles
Despite their federally protected status in the U.S., golden eagles face several threats:
- Habitat Loss: Habitat loss is a significant challenge for golden eagles, as they require vast open areas for their survival.
- Collisions with Human-made Structures: Golden eagles are at risk of colliding with power lines, wind turbines, and other human-made structures.
- Lead Poisoning: Golden eagles can suffer from lead poisoning, often due to ingesting prey that has been shot with lead ammunition.
- Illegal Trapping or Shooting: Golden eagles are still at risk of illegal trapping or shooting, despite their protected status.
As an apex predator, golden eagles play a vital role in the ecosystems they occupy. Studies suggest that their populations are declining in some areas of the western U.S., highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent birds.
Conclusion
While golden eagles are not as common in Arkansas as bald eagles, they have been spotted in the state, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions. Their presence is a testament to the diverse wildlife found in Arkansas, and their conservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the state’s natural habitats.
References:
- Bird Watching HQ. (n.d.). Eagles in Arkansas! (ID Guide). Retrieved from https://birdwatchinghq.com/eagles-in-arkansas/
- Cell Track Tech. (2023, January 26). Arkansas Golden Eagle Project. Retrieved from https://celltracktech.com/blogs/news/arkansas-golden-eagle-project
- Arkansas PBS. (2022, October 13). Golden Eagle: Witnesses to a Changing West. Retrieved from https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/blog/golden-eagle-witnesses-changing-west
- Arkansas Online. (2015, October 06). Golden eagle mount to be featured at Hobbs. Retrieved from https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/oct/06/hobbs-new-home-of-golden-eagle-mount-20/
- iNaturalist. (n.d.). Golden Eagle (Arkansas wild side). Retrieved from https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/234573
