EAGLES
( Family Accipitridae )
Eagles are in a worldwide family of diurnal birds of prey along with Kites and hawks.
They are equipped with hooked bills and strong talons.
In most species the female is larger than the male.
Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus )
The adult Bald Eagle is readily identified by its white head and tail.
Bald eagles do not get their white head and tail feathers until they are in
their 4th or 5th year. Bald eagles are most often seen on seacoasts or near
rivers and lakes. They feed mainly on fish. Nesting usually occurs in high trees
or on cliffs. The Bald Eagle is the National bird of the United States of America.
The Bald Eagle ranges over most of North America.
Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos )
The Golden eagle is an overall brown bird. It gets its name from the gold colored feathers on its head and neck. The Golden eagle can be mistaken for the young of the Bald Eagle. Golden eagles soar with their wings slightly uplifted. They inhabit mountainous or hilly terrain, hunting for small mammals, snakes,birds and carrion. Golden Eagles nest on cliffs or in trees. The Golden Eagle ranges over most of North America.
Steller's Sea Eagle ( Haliaeetus pelagicus )
The Steller's Sea Eagle nests in northeastern Asia.
When seen in flight the eagle can be identified by the white
leading edge of its wings. This eagle has a
white
wedge shaped tail and white thighs.The Steller's Sea Eagle ranges over Northeastern Asia
White Tailed Eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla )
This eagle ranges over Euarasia and Greenland.
It is a very rare visitor to the outer Aleutians.
It has a short wedge shaped tail and its plumage is
mottled. The head is pale and may appear white from
a distance and could be mistaken for the Bald Eagle.