The short answer: An adult bald eagle typically weighs about 3 to 6.3 kg (6.6 to 14 lb). Females are noticeably heavier than males, and northern birds tend to outweigh southern ones.
Bald eagle weight by type
Weight varies with sex, age, and region. Here are typical ranges you can expect.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Adult male | About 3 to 4.5 kg (6.6 to 9.9 lb) |
| Adult female | About 4.5 to 6.3 kg (9.9 to 14 lb) |
| Northern (Alaska) adult | Up to roughly 7 kg (15 lb) |
| Juvenile (first year) | Roughly 3 to 4 kg (6.6 to 8.8 lb) |
What affects bald eagle weight
- Sex. Female bald eagles are typically about 25% heavier than males.
- Region. Eagles from colder northern climates tend to be larger and heavier than those from the south.
- Age. Juveniles approach adult weight within their first year but mass can fluctuate.
- Food supply. A recent large meal can temporarily add a noticeable amount of weight.
- Season. Body condition shifts with prey availability across the year.
How bald eagle weight compares
At the heavier end, a large female bald eagle weighs about as much as a newborn human baby or a small bag of flour, despite a wingspan reaching 2.3 m (7.5 ft).
Frequently asked questions
Are female bald eagles heavier than males?
Yes. Female bald eagles are typically around 25% heavier than males, a common pattern among birds of prey.
How much does a bald eagle weigh in pounds?
Most adults weigh roughly 6.6 to 14 pounds, with large northern females at the top of that range.
Why are bald eagles so light for their size?
Like all birds, eagles have hollow bones and lightweight feathers that keep weight low for flight despite their large wingspan.
