21 Largest Birds in Alabama
Alabama is home to some of the largest birds in North America, from powerful Bald Eagles to towering Sandhill Cranes. These feathered giants rule the skies, lakes, and wetlands across the state, turning every birdwatching trip into a jaw-dropping experience.
In this guide, you’ll meet 21 of the largest birds in Alabama, complete with their size, wingspan, weight, and favorite habitats. Whether you’re a casual bird lover or a seasoned birder, you’ll know exactly where to spot these impressive species — and which ones might just surprise you with their sheer size!
1. Bald Eagle
- Length: 28–40 inches
- Wingspan: 6–7.5 feet
- Weight: 6.5–14 pounds
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
The undisputed king of the Alabama skies! You’ll spot bald eagles near large lakes and rivers, soaring like they own the place (which, honestly, they kind of do). Their white head and tail make them easy to recognize — and hard to forget. Seeing one in person feels like spotting a celebrity.
👉 You can learn more about this majestic bird in our Eagles Facts guide.
2. Golden Eagle
- Length: 27–33 inches
- Wingspan: 6–7.5 feet
- Weight: 7–14 pounds
- Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
Golden eagles are less common than bald eagles in Alabama but just as jaw-dropping. They prefer the open spaces of northern Alabama and hunt with serious skill. When they dive for prey, they can hit speeds over 150 mph — yep, faster than most cars on I-65.
3. Sandhill Crane
- Length: 47–48 inches
- Wingspan: 6.5–7.5 feet
- Weight: 10–14 pounds
- Scientific Name: Antigone canadensis
These tall, elegant cranes show up in flocks that fill the winter sky. Their bugling call sounds like something out of Jurassic Park (IMO, it’s awesome). You’ll often see them strutting around wetlands near Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
👉 Check out our Crane Bird Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism article for a deeper look at their symbolism.
4. Great Blue Heron
- Length: 38–54 inches
- Wingspan: 5.5–6.6 feet
- Weight: 4–7 pounds
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
You’ll find this lanky fisherman around ponds, lakes, and rivers. They stand so still while hunting that you might mistake them for lawn ornaments until they suddenly strike like lightning.
5. American White Pelican
- Length: 50–70 inches
- Wingspan: 8–9.5 feet
- Weight: 11–20 pounds
- Scientific Name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
With wings wider than a car, the white pelican is one of the largest flying birds in North America. They migrate through Alabama in winter, often forming flocks that look like floating clouds on the water.
6. Brown Pelican
- Length: 39–54 inches
- Wingspan: 6.5–7.5 feet
- Weight: 6–12 pounds
- Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis
If you’re hanging around Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’ll see these expert divers plunge headfirst into the water. They look clumsy mid-dive but pop up like, “Yep, nailed it.”
7. Turkey Vulture
- Length: 25–32 inches
- Wingspan: 5.5–6.5 feet
- Weight: 2–4 pounds
- Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
Sure, they eat dead stuff (gross), but Turkey Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew. They soar effortlessly using thermals and can smell carrion from miles away. Not glamorous, but essential.
8. Black Vulture
- Length: 22–27 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–5.5 feet
- Weight: 3–5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
The black vulture is chunkier than its red-headed cousin and less graceful in the air — but they make up for it with teamwork. These birds often feed in groups, and let’s just say… they don’t like to share.
9. Great Egret
- Length: 37–41 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–5.5 feet
- Weight: 2–3 pounds
- Scientific Name: Ardea alba
If Alabama had a fashion runway for birds, the Great Egret would steal the show. All white, long neck, yellow bill — pure elegance. They wade in shallow water, waiting for fish to swim by before striking like a ninja.
10. Osprey
- Length: 21–24 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–6 feet
- Weight: 3–4 pounds
- Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus
Think of the Osprey as the fisherman of the sky. You’ll often spot them hovering above lakes before diving feet-first to grab fish. They’re one of the few raptors that almost exclusively eat fish.
11. Great Horned Owl
- Length: 18–25 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–5 feet
- Weight: 2–5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
These owls look like they mean business. Their deep hoots and intimidating “ear” tufts give them a no-nonsense vibe. They can take down prey larger than themselves — even skunks (apparently, the smell doesn’t bother them 🤢).
12. Barred Owl
- Length: 16–25 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–4.5 feet
- Weight: 1–2.5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Strix varia
Their famous “Who cooks for you?” call echoes through Alabama’s forests. Barred Owls are beautiful, with brown-and-white stripes and big soulful eyes that could win any staring contest.
13. Red-tailed Hawk
- Length: 17–25 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–5 feet
- Weight: 2–4 pounds
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
A common sight perched on power poles or soaring high above open fields. The red-tailed hawk’s scream is the classic “eagle” sound you hear in movies (Hollywood got it wrong again).
14. Northern Harrier
- Length: 18–20 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–4.5 feet
- Weight: 0.7–1.7 pounds
- Scientific Name: Circus hudsonius
These hawks glide low over marshes, looking for small mammals. Their owl-like face helps them hear prey, which gives them an edge in silent hunting.
15. Wild Turkey
- Length: 39–49 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–5.5 feet
- Weight: 11–24 pounds
- Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
Wild turkeys are surprisingly massive — and fast! They can sprint up to 25 mph and even fly short distances when startled. If you’ve ever had one suddenly take off in front of you, you know it’s basically a heart attack with feathers.
16. Mute Swan
- Length: 49–67 inches
- Wingspan: 6.5–8 feet
- Weight: 20–30 pounds
- Scientific Name: Cygnus olor
These elegant white birds occasionally show up on Alabama ponds or estates. Despite their beauty, they can be aggressive. Pro tip: don’t mess with a nesting swan unless you want to be chased by 25 pounds of pure fury.
17. Canada Goose
- Length: 30–43 inches
- Wingspan: 4.2–6 feet
- Weight: 6–14 pounds
- Scientific Name: Branta canadensis
These honking machines are practically everywhere. Love them or hate them, they’re a sign of fall and spring migration. And yes, they will hiss if you get too close (ask me how I know 😬).
18. Double-crested Cormorant
- Length: 27–35 inches
- Wingspan: 4–5 feet
- Weight: 2.5–5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Nannopterum auritum
Cormorants are expert divers and fishers. You’ll recognize them by their dark bodies and the “Jesus pose” they strike while drying their wings in the sun.
19. Anhinga (a.k.a. Snakebird)
- Length: 35–37 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5–4 feet
- Weight: 2.5–3.5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Anhinga anhinga
When swimming, only their neck sticks out of the water, making them look like a swimming snake — hence the nickname. They love Alabama’s warm wetlands and are often seen sunbathing with wings spread wide.
20. Snow Goose
- Length: 25–33 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5–5.5 feet
- Weight: 5–7 pounds
- Scientific Name: Anser caerulescens
These white beauties travel in massive flocks during winter migration. Their honking chorus overhead is one of the best sounds of Alabama’s colder months.
21. Great Black-backed Gull
- Length: 28–31 inches
- Wingspan: 5–6.5 feet
- Weight: 2–5 pounds
- Scientific Name: Larus marinus
Occasionally spotted along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, these gulls are huge — the largest gull species in the world. They’re opportunistic eaters who’ll happily snatch a fish, crab, or your leftover sandwich.
Where to Spot These Giants in Alabama
If you’re wondering where to actually see these birds, here are a few top spots:
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge – Cranes, pelicans, and eagles galore.
- Mobile Bay and Gulf Shores – Great for pelicans, ospreys, and gulls.
- Lake Guntersville – Eagle watching hotspot (especially in winter).
- Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge – Expect herons, egrets, and ducks.
Pro tip: bring binoculars and a camera, but don’t forget bug spray — trust me, the mosquitoes here are built different.
Why Alabama Is a Birdwatcher’s Dream
From wetlands to pine forests and coastlines, Alabama has a mix of habitats that make it a paradise for bird lovers. You can see tropical migrants, year-round residents, and powerful raptors — all within a weekend road trip.
And if you ever get into the symbolism side of things (because who doesn’t love a bit of bird mysticism?), check out our guides on Cardinal Bird Spiritual Meaning and Blue Jay Spiritual Meaning Symbolism. You might start looking at your backyard visitors a little differently. 😉
FAQs
What’s the largest bird in Alabama?
That title goes to the American White Pelican — its wingspan can reach up to 9.5 feet! The Mute Swan also comes close in terms of weight.
Are bald eagles common in Alabama?
Yes! Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagle populations have made a strong comeback. You can spot them year-round near large lakes and rivers.
What’s the biggest bird of prey in Alabama?
The Golden Eagle takes the crown for size, but the Bald Eagle is more common and just as impressive.
Can you see Sandhill Cranes in Alabama year-round?
They’re mostly winter visitors, especially at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge where thousands gather every year.
What’s the heaviest bird in Alabama?
The Mute Swan, hands down. Some individuals weigh nearly 30 pounds — imagine that landing in your pond!
Final Thoughts
Alabama’s skies are full of giants — not mythical ones, but living, breathing, soaring wonders. Whether it’s the Bald Eagle’s power, the Sandhill Crane’s grace, or the Wild Turkey’s attitude, each bird adds a unique charm to the state’s wildlife scene.
So grab a pair of binoculars, hit the trails, and see how many of these feathered heavyweights you can spot. Who knows — your next road trip might just turn into a full-blown birdwatching adventure.
