Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
ID Notes 5
The Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is one of our largest local birds of prey. Adults are easily distinguished by their characteristic white head and tail, contrasting with a dark brown body. However, young eagles lack this distinct coloration until they reach maturity, gradually transforming in color throughout their first five years of life. First-year eagles are predominantly brown, and may have some lighter flecking. As they age, the amount of white increases with each molt. During the second and third year the tail becomes white with a dark terminal band and the head appears lighter, with a dark stripe through the eye. By the fourth year, the head and tail will be mostly white. The bill also gradually changes from a dark color to a bright yellow throughout this time period. Bald eagles of any age are characterized by their large size, broad wings, heavy body, and large hooked bill. They fly with their wings flat, distinguishing them from Turkey Vultures, which fly with wings held in a V-shape. Bald eagles are considerably larger than red-tailed Hawks and are even notably larger than Turkey Vultures.
Fontes e Créditos
- (c) Joe Zigmont, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Joe Zigmont
- (c) Tony Varela Photography, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/tony-v/31222858477/
- (c) Virginia Rivers, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC), https://www.flickr.com/photos/naturekind/50736400996/
- (c) Tony Varela Photography, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-NC-ND), https://www.flickr.com/photos/tony-v/46364969015/
- Adaptado por Robin Foster de uma obra de (c) Wikipedia, alguns direitos reservados (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haliaeetus_leucocephalus
