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Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Description:

The Bald Eagle dwarfs most other raptors, including the Turkey Vulture and Red-tailed Hawk. It has a heavy body, large head, and long, hooked bill. In flight, a Bald Eagle holds its broad wings flat like a board. Adult Bald Eagles have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies and wings. Their legs and bills are bright yellow. Immature birds have mostly dark heads and tails; their brown wings and bodies are mottled with white in varying amounts. Young birds attain adult plumage in about five years.

Habitat:

Farmland near open grassland, active prairie dog town and small lake.

Notes:

On an afternoon hike, I came upon two bald eagles, just as they were finishing a meal. The younger of the two flew away first. I would guess him to be a 4th year bird as he still had some brown "dirty" markings on his tail and face. Does anyone see it differently? I believe this is one of the two bald eagles that lives in the area year round and mates in the Spring.

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3 Comments

EmilyMarino
EmilyMarino 11 years ago

Thanks Christy! I wasn't sure when bald eagles become sexually mature! I think this is one of the two that live near the ICU. However, I am only assuming that they are the same pair that nested this summer. I just posted the pictures of the second, "older" bird!

ChristyHolland
ChristyHolland 11 years ago

Oh, duh...this is the pic of the young one? He's got very little dark that I can see, but some...maybe he's found a mate for the first time and they'll be nesting this coming year...??? I'd love to hear someone else's input. ;-)

ChristyHolland
ChristyHolland 11 years ago

Looks like you got to have some fun today!! Great shot! I'd have to see pictures of the other bald but it sounds right! But I wonder if they're sexually mature before they get their full white head/tail...???

EmilyMarino
Spotted by
EmilyMarino

Colorado, USA

Spotted on Nov 18, 2012
Submitted on Nov 19, 2012

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