Eastern Imperial Eagle vs Bald Eagle

Aquila heliaca compared with Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eastern Imperial Eagle Bald Eagle
Scientific Name Aquila heliaca Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Order Accipitriformes Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae Accipitridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length 79.0 cm (31.1 in)
Wingspan 116.4 cm (45.8 in) 203.0 cm (79.9 in)
Weight 3215.0 g (113.41 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 1-4
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Eastern Imperial Eagle
Bald Eagle 79.0 cm
Wingspan
Eastern Imperial Eagle 116.4 cm
Bald Eagle 203.0 cm
Weight
Eastern Imperial Eagle 3215.0 g
Bald Eagle 4300.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Eastern Imperial Eagle 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.

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Song & Call Comparison

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Bald Eagle

Song

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.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Bald Eagle

North America from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico.

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Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Least Concern

Bald Eagle

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How to Tell Them Apart

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Bald Eagle

Plumage

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.

Bill

Large, hooked, bright yellow bill

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About These Birds

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.

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Related Comparisons

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