4 Types of Eagles in Arkansas (With Pictures and Identification)

Arkansas boasts a remarkable diversity of eagles, each adding drama and beauty to the state’s skies. From the striking white-headed Bald Eagle to the sleek, soaring Mississippi Kite, these raptors are a highlight for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Some eagles, like the Bald Eagle, are commonly spotted near lakes and rivers, while others, such as the Golden Eagle, are rare visitors that thrill observers when they appear. The elusive Crested Eagle is an extraordinary sight, making any record of its presence in the state highly noteworthy.

Understanding the habitats, seasonal movements, and behaviors of these birds greatly enhances the birdwatching experience. With the right timing and locations, enthusiasts can witness the grace, power, and fascinating hunting techniques of Arkansas’s eagles.

Different Types of Eagles Found in Arkansas

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The Bald Eagle is the most recognizable eagle in Arkansas and the United States. Adults feature a striking white head and tail contrasting with dark brown body and wings. Their bright yellow beak, eyes, and feet make them stand out, while juveniles are mottled brown and gradually develop their white plumage by age five. Their impressive wingspan ranges from 6 to 7.5 feet, making them one of the largest raptors in North America.

Bald Eagles are most commonly found near large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, where fish are abundant. They are excellent hunters and primarily feed on fish, but they also scavenge carrion and occasionally hunt small mammals and birds. Observers can often spot them perched on tall trees near water, scanning for prey.

During the breeding season, Bald Eagles build large nests in tall trees, sometimes reusing the same nest for multiple years. These nests can grow up to 10 feet across and weigh several hundred pounds. Eagles are known for their strong pair bonds and elaborate courtship displays, including dramatic aerial acrobatics.

In Arkansas, Bald Eagles are most easily seen during the winter months, when northern populations migrate south along the Mississippi River. Popular viewing locations include Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and the White River. Conservation efforts have helped Bald Eagle numbers recover significantly in the state, making them a celebrated sight for birdwatchers.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Golden Eagles are much rarer in Arkansas but can occasionally be spotted, especially in open areas or during migration. They are large raptors with dark brown plumage and a distinctive golden sheen on the back of their heads and necks. Their wings are long and broad, adapted for soaring at high altitudes, and their powerful talons allow them to hunt medium-sized mammals efficiently.

Unlike Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles primarily prefer open country, grasslands, and rugged terrains. They are formidable hunters, feeding on rabbits, squirrels, ground squirrels, and occasionally birds. Their hunting technique often involves high-altitude scanning and diving at incredible speeds to capture prey.

Golden Eagles are solitary or found in pairs rather than large groups. They nest on cliffs or tall trees, constructing large stick nests where they lay one to three eggs. The species is highly territorial, and adults maintain large hunting ranges to support their dietary needs.

In Arkansas, sightings of Golden Eagles are uncommon and usually occur in the western and northwestern parts of the state during the winter months. Birdwatchers hoping to see Golden Eagles should look for them in open fields, along ridges, and near river valleys where prey is abundant.

Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)

The Mississippi Kite, though not a true eagle, is a medium-sized raptor often grouped with large predatory birds. Adults have slate-gray plumage with black wing tips, a pale head, and red eyes. They are graceful flyers with long, pointed wings and a forked tail, making them agile hunters in the sky. Juveniles appear lighter in color with streaked underparts.

Mississippi Kites are highly social birds during the breeding season, often nesting in colonies in tall trees. They feed mainly on insects, especially large flying insects such as dragonflies and grasshoppers, but will also catch small birds and lizards. Their aerial hunting displays are mesmerizing, with kites swooping and gliding in coordinated patterns.

In Arkansas, Mississippi Kites are summer residents, typically arriving in April and departing by September. They are commonly found in the southern and central parts of the state, often near forests, farmlands, and water sources that support abundant insect populations.

Mississippi Kites are relatively easy to spot in the warm months due to their distinctive flight pattern and loud, high-pitched calls. Observers may notice them gathering in large groups in the late afternoon before migrating south for the winter. Conservation of open woodlands and water-adjacent habitats has helped maintain stable populations across the state.

Crested Eagle (rare vagrant)

Crested Eagles are extremely rare in Arkansas and are considered vagrant visitors. Typically found in tropical regions, any sightings in the state are likely due to unusual migration events. They are large, powerful raptors with dark plumage and a prominent crest on the head, giving them a distinctive silhouette against the sky.

Little is known about their behavior in Arkansas due to their rarity, but like other eagles, they are presumed to be solitary hunters. Crested Eagles primarily feed on medium-sized mammals and birds in their native ranges, using stealth and powerful talons to capture prey.

These eagles prefer dense forests and wooded areas for nesting in tropical regions. Their large nests are often built high in trees and reused year after year. Observers in Arkansas should not expect to see nesting behavior due to their vagrant nature in the state.

Sightings of Crested Eagles in Arkansas are extremely rare and usually attract immediate attention from birding communities. They are mostly observed during the fall and winter months when weather patterns can carry them northward. Any confirmed observation is considered significant for local bird records.

Eagles in Arkansas – Comparison Table

Best Time and Places to Spot Eagles in Arkansas

Best Time to See Eagles

Bald Eagles are most visible during the winter months, from December through February, when northern populations migrate south along rivers and lakes. Golden Eagles are rare but may occasionally appear in western and northwestern Arkansas during winter. Mississippi Kites are summer residents, usually present from April to September. Crested Eagles are extremely rare and may appear only during unusual migration events, mostly in fall or winter.

Best Places to Observe Eagles

The best locations for eagle watching in Arkansas include Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and the White River, which provide abundant fish and nesting trees for Bald Eagles. Open fields, river valleys, and ridges in western Arkansas offer the best chances to see Golden Eagles. Mississippi Kites can be observed in southern and central Arkansas, particularly near farmlands, woodlands, and water sources. Vagrant Crested Eagles are unpredictable, but sightings near large rivers or wooded areas are most likely.

FAQs About Eagles in Arkansas

What do Bald Eagles eat in Arkansas?

Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish but will also eat carrion, small mammals, and occasionally other birds. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers.

Are Golden Eagles common in Arkansas?

No, Golden Eagles are considered rare visitors, mostly appearing in western and northwestern parts of the state during the winter months.

When can I see Mississippi Kites?

Mississippi Kites are summer residents in Arkansas, typically arriving in April and leaving by September. Late afternoons are ideal for spotting large groups preparing to roost.

Can I see Crested Eagles in Arkansas?

Crested Eagles are extremely rare and considered vagrant in Arkansas. Any sightings are highly unusual and attract immediate attention from birdwatchers.

Where are the best eagle-watching spots in Arkansas?

Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and the White River are prime locations for Bald Eagles. Open fields and river valleys are best for Golden Eagles, while southern and central woodlands are ideal for Mississippi Kites.