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Thread: Bald or Golden?

  1. #1
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    Default Bald or Golden?

    I already posted this image in avian, but I present a cropped version here and ask for help determining which eagle this is. I have a few images of these birds, and I thought this was an immature bald eagle. Now I think it is a Golden eagle. Clearly I am no expert. Please help me identify. Thanks.


  2. #2
    Jeff Wear
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    bald I think the golden is darker but I have not seen a young golden

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    Thanks, Jeff.

    Here is a outtake of this shoot, same bird.


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    To my mind definitely Bald Eagle, probably 2nd year. Note the darkish brown on the head in the second image, compared to lighter tan of a Golden Eagle. This bird is dappled in the colour and has the dark brown bib characteristic of the Bald Eagle. Bald Eagles are sea eagles and not closely related to Goldens which are more related to the Buteo hawks. This one has a Bald Eagle look in the face which the Golden doesn't have.

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    Well, thanks, John. I have found the proper authority!

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    I agree, a young Bald Eagle..

    Dave

  7. #7
    Paul Burgess
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    I believe that another way to tell the difference between young Golden and Bald Eagles is to look at the underside of the wing. Bald eagles have a lot of white, particularly in the 'underarm' area; while Golden Eagles have a single spot at the wrist, as seen below.




    Am I correct?

    -Paul

  8. #8
    Isaac Green
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    If you are close enough, a reliable way to tell them apart is to look at the legs. The golden eagle is a booted eagle -- its legs are feathered all the way to feet. Bald eagles are not. This one has naked legs, so immature bald eagle.

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    Dave, Paul and Isacc, thank you for adding your comments.

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