142 



THE RAPTORIAL BIRDS OF IOWA 



Fig-. 57. The Golden Eagle. 



Genus Aquila Brisson. 



16. AQUILA CHRYSAETOS (Linnaeus). 349. 

 Golden Eagle. 



Field Characters. A bird of prey of the largest size; uniformly 

 dark brown, except for the golden feathers on back of head. Bill, 

 horn color ; legs feathered to the toes. 



Description. Above and below brownish; feathers with a golden 

 hue on nape of neck and back of head. Tail feathers often mottled, 

 and with lighter color at the base. 



Immature birds characterized by having about half of the basal 

 portion of the tail white; the leg feathers also lighter in color. 



Always distinguishable from the Bald Eagle by the feet, which are 

 feathered to the bases of the toes. 



