Golden eagles are found in Missouri, but they are not native to the state and are only occasional winter visitors. During the 2012 annual winter eagle count, five golden eagles were recorded in Missouri, which is a small fraction of the 2,661 eagles counted during the survey.
The Presence of Golden Eagles in Missouri
Golden eagles are more commonly found in western states and northern Mexico, where they live year-round. Some members of this species migrate north during the summer breeding season, but it is uncommon for them to venture into the eastern United States. In Missouri, golden eagles are most likely to be seen during the winter months, when they may be spotted near open water sources such as rivers and lakes.
Distinguishing Golden Eagles from Bald Eagles
Golden eagles are similar in size to bald eagles but lack the distinctive white head and tail of the bald eagle. They are often confused with juvenile bald eagles by inexperienced birders. This can make it challenging to identify golden eagles in Missouri, where the bald eagle population is more abundant.
Missouri’s Bald Eagle Population
Missouri is home to a significant population of bald eagles, with more than 2,000 birds reported in the state during winter. The bald eagle was once listed as an endangered species in Missouri, but it has made a remarkable recovery in recent decades due to conservation efforts. Today, the bald eagle is listed as a species of conservation concern in Missouri, and there are more than 10,000 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states.
Factors Affecting Golden Eagle Sightings in Missouri
The relatively low number of golden eagle sightings in Missouri can be attributed to several factors:
- Habitat Preferences: Golden eagles prefer mountainous and open habitats, which are less common in Missouri compared to the western United States.
- Migration Patterns: Golden eagles typically migrate to and from their breeding grounds in the western states, with only a small portion of the population venturing into the eastern United States during the winter.
- Bald Eagle Dominance: The abundant bald eagle population in Missouri may outcompete golden eagles for resources, making it less likely for golden eagles to establish a permanent presence in the state.
Opportunities for Observing Golden Eagles in Missouri
While golden eagles are not a common sight in Missouri, there are still opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of these majestic birds:
- Winter Eagle Counts: The annual winter eagle count conducted by the Missouri Department of Conservation is a good opportunity to potentially spot golden eagles, as they are more likely to be observed during the winter months.
- Specific Locations: Golden eagles have been reported near open water sources, such as rivers and lakes, in Missouri. Birders may have better luck spotting them in these areas.
- Citizen Science Initiatives: Participating in citizen science projects, such as the eBird platform, can help contribute to the understanding of golden eagle sightings and distribution in Missouri.
Conclusion
In summary, while golden eagles are not native to Missouri, they do occasionally visit the state during the winter months. However, their presence is relatively rare compared to the state’s significant bald eagle population. Conservation efforts have played a crucial role in the recovery of bald eagles in Missouri, and continued monitoring and research will help provide a better understanding of the golden eagle’s status in the state.
References:
- Missouri Department of Conservation. (2012). Bald Eagle – Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/baldeaglemo2012.pdf
- Missouri Department of Conservation. (2023). Flying High | Missouri Department of Conservation – MO.gov. Retrieved from https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/missouri-conservationist/2023-02/flying-high
- Badgerland Birding. (2024). Eagles of Missouri (Two Species to Know) | Badgerland Birding. Retrieved from https://badgerlandbirding.com/2024/01/24/eagles-of-missouri-two-species-to-know/
