Imitator Goshawk vs Bald Eagle
Accipiter imitator compared with Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Imitator Goshawk | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Accipiter imitator | Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
| Order | Accipitriformes | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae | Accipitridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 79.0 cm (31.1 in) |
| Wingspan | 40.0 cm (15.7 in) | 203.0 cm (79.9 in) |
| Weight | 233.0 g (8.22 oz) | 4300.0 g (151.68 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Primarily fish, also waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. Hunts by swooping down to snatch fish … |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Imitator Goshawk only
None
Bald Eagle only
Bald Eagle
Large bodies of open water including coasts, rivers, and lakes with abundant fish and old-growth trees for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
Imitator Goshawk
Bald Eagle
High-pitched, chattering whistle: a rapid 'kleek-kik-ik-ik-ik'. Surprisingly weak and thin for such a large raptor. Also gives a lower 'kwit-kwit' call near the nest.
Geographic Range & Migration
Imitator Goshawk
Bald Eagle
North America from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico.
Conservation Status
Imitator Goshawk
Bald Eagle
How to Tell Them Apart
Imitator Goshawk
Bald Eagle
Adults have a dark brown body with a striking white head and tail. Juveniles are mottled brown and white, reaching full adult plumage at age five.
Large, hooked, bright yellow bill
About These Birds
Imitator Goshawk
The Imitator Goshawk (<em>Accipiter imitator</em>) is a raptor in the family Accipitridae, the hawks, eagles, and kites. It is restricted to the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific, where it occupies forest habitats on several islands in the archipelago. This species is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, reflecting concerns over population viability associated with forest loss and its limited island range. Its name alludes to its resemblance to other Accipiter species. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this …
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Once endangered due to DDT pesticide use, it made a remarkable recovery and was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. These powerful raptors build the largest tree nests of any bird, some weighing over two tons.