Golden Eagles cannot be black as their adult body color is usually dark brown. However, there can be some confusion between immature Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles due to the dark brown head and tail of immature Bald Eagles, which can be mistaken for the Golden Eagle’s brown head with a gilded nape.
Understanding the Plumage of Golden Eagles
Golden Eagles are found in northern regions of the entire northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They prefer open habitat such as prairie, arctic and alpine tundra, open wooded country, and barren areas, particularly hilly or mountainous regions.
Juvenile Golden Eagles
Juvenile Golden Eagles have a dark brown body with a distinctive white patch at the base of their tail and white patches on the underside of their wings. As they mature, the white patches on the wings become more prominent, and the tail patch becomes less visible.
Adult Golden Eagles
Adult Golden Eagles have a dark brown body with a golden-brown nape and a dark brown tail. They have a distinctive white patch on the underside of their wings, which is visible during flight.
Differences Between Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles
While both Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles are large birds of prey, there are several key differences between the two species:
| Characteristic | Golden Eagle | Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Body Color | Dark brown | Dark brown (juvenile), white head and tail (adult) |
| Tail | Dark brown | White (adult) |
| Legs | Feathered to the toes | Unfeathered lower legs |
| Habitat | Open, mountainous areas | Near large bodies of water |
| Range | Northern hemisphere | North America |
It’s important to note that immature Bald Eagles can be mistaken for Golden Eagles due to their dark brown head and tail. However, as Bald Eagles age, their bodies start filling in with whitish feathers, particularly on the belly, while Golden Eagles’ bodies remain dark as they age, with white touches limited mostly to the wings.
Feeding Habits of Golden Eagles
Golden Eagles feed mainly on ground squirrels, hares, and birds such as cranes, owls, and ptarmigans. They are capable of killing large game animals, but few killings have been observed. Eagles also feed on carrion. Like Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles can lift about three or four pounds, a bit more if they swoop down with some airspeed and grab something.
Breeding and Nesting Behavior
Golden Eagles are monogamous and maintain pair bonds for several years, usually laying a clutch of two eggs with 35 to 45 days needed for incubation. It takes 90 to 100 days for the hatchlings to become independent of their parents.
Conclusion
In summary, Golden Eagles cannot be black as their adult body color is usually dark brown. While immature Bald Eagles can be mistaken for Golden Eagles due to their dark brown head and tail, the key differences in plumage, habitat, and behavior can help distinguish between the two species.
