Eagles In The Region

Just 25 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, the Great Rivers & Routes region has become a winter home to the American Bald Eagles. Before dawn breaks on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the eagles begin to soar over the Mississippi River. From late December through mid-February, the Great Rivers & Routes region is all about eagles. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 eagle watching events may be unavailable. Please check the events page on this website for details.

For more information on eagle watching, please call the Great Rivers & Routes Visitor Center at (800) 258-6645. Check out our new Fall/Winter/Eagle Watcher's guide here to learn more about our new eagle watching passport program where you can become an Official Great Rivers & Routes Eagle Watcher and earn a free T-shirt.

Find the latest eagle counts here.

Facts & Information On American Bald Eagles

• Eat fish, carrion, smaller birds and rodents
• Soars through the sky rather than flap wings
• There is a large amount of bald eagles in Alaska and Canada
• Use their talons to fish or steal the kills from other animals
• Live near coasts and lakes where there is a large amount of fish
• Can live up to 28 years
• Both female and male bald eagles have a blackish-brown body, white head, neck and tail, yellow feet, legs and beak and pale yellow eyes
• Bald eagles weigh anywhere from 6.5 pounds to 14 pounds
• Their body is usually 34 inches to 45 inches long. This is similar to a 6 foot man.