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Featured on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782, the bald eagle has become a majestic symbol of the country, yet it was officially designated as the national bird only in December 2024. Although the species now roams all 48 contiguous states, the largest concentration of bald eagles is found in Alaska and Canada, with more birds in Alaska than in the lower 48 combined.
Bald eagles thrive in temperate climates, but their dense plumage and soft down enable them to endure Alaska’s harsh winters. While Alaska sits within both the North Temperate Zone and the Arctic Circle, the state's abundant natural habitats and plentiful food sources—combined with minimal human disturbance—support a thriving eagle population of roughly 40,000 to 50,000 individuals.
These birds typically favor bodies of water—estuaries, lakes, marshes, and rivers—but they can also be found in drier environments such as farmland, suburbs, and urban areas, provided there is suitable nesting, perching, and ample food. Their diet is dominated by fish, though they will also consume small mammals, reptiles, waterfowl, and even scavenge carrion.
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For the best viewing opportunities, head to the state’s 16 national wildlife refuges. Popular hotspots include Turnagain Arm, the Kenai River, and Prince William Sound, but the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve stands out as a premier destination.
Established in 1982, the preserve—often called the Valley of the Eagles—protects 48,000 acres of river bottom across three tributaries. It supports 300 to 400 eagles year‑round. Visitors can stroll the 2‑mile riverside trail or park along the river between the Haines Highway to watch the birds in their natural habitat. The preserve’s golden period comes in late fall and early winter, when 3,000 to 4,000 eagles congregate to feed on the countless dying and finning fish in the shallow channels.
If you prefer a guaranteed sighting outside the congregation window, Alaska’s Anchorage Zoo offers a dedicated bald eagle habitat, and the Bird Treatment and Learning Center—also in Anchorage—rescues and rehabilitates birds for release. Birds that cannot be returned to the wild serve as ambassadors in educational programs, often living up to 50 years under human care, far longer than the 20‑ to 30‑year lifespan typical in the wild.
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Spotting a bald eagle requires knowing its key characteristics and behaviors. Male eagles can weigh up to 10 pounds with a wingspan of up to 6 feet, while females reach 14 pounds and an 8‑foot span. Juveniles display brown and white mottled plumage, dark eyes, and bills; by about five years old, they develop the iconic white head and tail, brown body, bright yellow bill, and light eyes—features absent in golden eagles.
Bald eagles are visual predators that hunt from perches or while gliding overhead. You may observe them diving toward water to snatch prey, then using their wings to “row” across the surface if they become wet. Outside of breeding season, they often gather in communal roosts, producing low, snicker‑like vocalizations. On rare occasions, they have been seen passing sticks to one another mid‑air, a playful display that adds to their charismatic nature.
