Michigan’s diverse landscapes, from forested riverbanks to the shores of the Great Lakes, offer a haven for some of North America’s most powerful raptors—eagles. While not home to many eagle species, the state still plays host to two remarkable types that capture the imagination of birders and nature lovers alike. Whether soaring high above a frozen lake or gliding through fall thermals, these birds are a breathtaking sight.
The two eagle species found in Michigan are the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. The Bald Eagle, with its distinctive white head and tail, is a year-round resident and frequently seen near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Golden Eagles, on the other hand, are rarer and only appear during migration seasons, usually passing through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern flyways.
This guide covers everything you need to know about these two impressive birds of prey. You’ll learn how to identify them by size, plumage, and behavior, explore their hunting and nesting habits, and find out where you’re most likely to spot them across the state.
Common Eagles Found in Michigan
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
The Bald Eagle is one of the most recognizable birds in North America, known for its striking appearance and symbolic association with the United States. Adult Bald Eagles have a white head and tail that contrast sharply with their dark brown body and wings. Their powerful yellow beak, large talons, and piercing eyes give them a majestic presence. Immature birds, however, look very different—mostly dark brown with white mottling throughout their body and wings. They only acquire the classic white head and tail at around 4 to 5 years of age. These raptors are massive, with wingspans reaching up to 7.5 feet and body lengths of about 3 feet, making them one of the largest birds in Michigan.
Bald Eagles are skilled hunters but also opportunistic feeders. Their primary food source is fish, which they catch with a swift swoop and powerful grasp using their talons. However, they won’t hesitate to scavenge from carrion, steal prey from other birds, or feed on small mammals and waterfowl when fish are scarce. Their hunting behavior is often dramatic, involving low glides over lakes or sudden dives. You may even see them engaging in aerial battles—either over territory or food—where two eagles lock talons mid-air and spiral downward in a display of strength and agility.
These eagles breed throughout Michigan, particularly near large lakes and rivers. They build enormous nests—called eyries—that can be up to 8 feet across and weigh over a ton. Constructed high in sturdy trees, these nests are reused and added to year after year. A typical clutch consists of 1 to 3 eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of incubation and feeding. The young fledge after about 10 to 12 weeks but may remain in the vicinity of the nest for months afterward. Bald Eagles in Michigan are mostly year-round residents, although some individuals from farther north may migrate south into the state during winter.
You can find Bald Eagles across Michigan, but they are especially common around the Great Lakes, Saginaw Bay, Lake St. Clair, and along the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers. Fun fact: the Bald Eagle nearly disappeared from Michigan in the mid-20th century due to DDT pesticide use, but after the chemical was banned and conservation efforts ramped up, the species made a remarkable comeback. Today, hundreds of active nesting pairs thrive in the state—a true conservation success story that birders and nature lovers celebrate each year.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Golden Eagles are majestic and powerful raptors that are far less common in Michigan than Bald Eagles. These birds are named for the golden-brown feathers on the back of their head and neck, which shimmer in sunlight. Adults are uniformly dark brown overall, while juveniles have distinct white patches at the base of their tail and under their wings, making them easier to distinguish. They have slightly smaller wingspans than Bald Eagles, typically around 6.5 to 7 feet, but they are sleeker, faster, and more agile in flight. Their strong legs are feathered all the way to the talons, giving them a robust, muscular appearance.
Golden Eagles are true hunters, preferring to catch live prey rather than scavenge. Their primary diet consists of small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and marmots, though they can take down larger animals like foxes or young deer if the opportunity arises. They hunt by soaring at great heights and diving at remarkable speeds—up to 150 mph—using stealth and power to surprise their prey. Unlike Bald Eagles, they are rarely found around large bodies of water and show a strong preference for open country, cliffs, grasslands, and mountainous terrain.
While Golden Eagles do not breed in Michigan, they are seen during migration periods, particularly in the fall and spring. Most sightings occur in the Upper Peninsula, where vast tracts of forest and open land provide suitable stopover habitat. They are occasionally observed at well-known migration monitoring sites like Whitefish Point, Brockway Mountain, and the Straits of Mackinac. During migration, they may travel thousands of miles between breeding territories in Canada or the western U.S. and their southern wintering grounds.
One fun fact about Golden Eagles is that they have been known to hunt cooperatively in pairs to take down large prey—a behavior rare among raptors. Although sightings in Michigan are infrequent, spotting one is a thrilling experience for birders due to the eagle’s rarity and commanding presence. If you hope to see a Golden Eagle in Michigan, your best chances are during late fall migration along major flyways in the Upper Peninsula, especially near cliffs and ridgelines where thermals help them glide with minimal effort.
FAQs about Eagles in Michigan
What types of eagles can be found in Michigan?
Michigan is home to two eagle species: the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which nests and lives in the state year-round, and the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which appears during migration but does not breed in Michigan.
Where are the best places to see eagles in Michigan?
Bald Eagles are commonly seen near large lakes and rivers such as the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, Saginaw Bay, and Au Sable River. Golden Eagles are typically spotted during fall migration in the Upper Peninsula, especially at Whitefish Point and Brockway Mountain.
When is the best time to see eagles in Michigan?
Bald Eagles can be seen year-round, though winter concentrations are higher near open water. Golden Eagles are best viewed during spring and fall migration, particularly from October to November.
How big are Bald Eagles compared to Golden Eagles?
Bald Eagles have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and weigh around 10–14 pounds. Golden Eagles have slightly shorter wingspans—up to 7 feet—but are more streamlined and agile, with strong, feathered legs.
Do Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles live in the same areas?
Not typically. Bald Eagles prefer areas near lakes, rivers, and coastlines where fish is abundant. Golden Eagles prefer open landscapes and mountainous or rugged regions, which are less common in Michigan. However, during migration, their paths may overlap.
What do eagles in Michigan eat?
Bald Eagles mainly eat fish, but will also scavenge or hunt birds and small mammals. Golden Eagles are mammal hunters, preying on rabbits, squirrels, and even foxes or young deer.
Do eagles nest in Michigan?
Only Bald Eagles nest in Michigan. They build massive stick nests in tall trees near water. Golden Eagles do not nest in the state; their breeding territories are farther north or in the western U.S. and Canada.
Are eagles protected in Michigan?
Yes. Both species are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Disturbing them or their nests can result in heavy fines or legal action.
How can I identify a juvenile Bald Eagle?
Juvenile Bald Eagles are mostly dark brown with irregular white mottling. They lack the distinct white head and tail of adults and are often confused with Golden Eagles until they mature at around 4 to 5 years of age.
Have eagle populations increased in Michigan?
Yes, especially Bald Eagles. Due to conservation efforts and the banning of DDT pesticides, Bald Eagle populations have rebounded significantly since the 1970s. Michigan now has hundreds of active nesting pairs.
