Pure power in those eyes; nothing escapes the sharp focus of a
Golden Eagle. No wonder we say someone is an eagle eye, when we mean that they
see or observe with exceptional keenness.
Golden eagles are North America's largest
predatory bird. They are dark brown raptors with long, broad wings. Their
length ranges from 70 to 84 cm, and their wingspan ranges from 185 to 220 cm.
Males and females are similar in appearance, but females are much larger than
males. Female weight ranges from 3940 to 6125 g whereas male weight ranges from
3000 to 4475 g. Adults are largely dark brown, except for a golden area near
the crown, nape and sides of the neck and face. The tail is grayish brown. From
below, the large flight feathers of the wings appear to be brownish gray, while
the head, body and smaller feathers on the forepart of the open wings are
blackish. The eyes of adults are dark brown. The bills and claws are black,
while the cere and feet are yellow. The legs are feathered all the way down to
the toes.
Juvenile golden eagles appear similar to
adults, except for light patches on the tips of the wings, and a wide white
band on the tail and a terminal band of black. This plumage is sometimes
referred to as its "ringtail" plumage as a result of these bands.
Juveniles attain adult plumage between ages 4 and 6 years.
There are 5 or 6 recognized subspecies of the
golden eagle. These subspecies are differentiated by geographic distribution,
size and coloration. Only one subspecies, Aquila chrysaetos canadensis
is found in North America.
Photo location: Flatanger
Photo info - 21.11.2013: Canon EOS-1D X, 1200 mm, ISO 1250, f 14,
1/320 sec, Flash: not used
Tags:
aquila chrysaetos, birds, eyes, golden eagle, maakotka, photography, stare,
Wildlife
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