104 RAPTORES: Birds of Prey 



GOLDEN EAGLE 



(349. Aquila chrysaetos) Male, 30-36 in. Female, 34-40 in. 



Dark brown, paler on hind-neck and flanks. 



Immatures have basal half of tail white ; breast feathers dark- 

 tipped, their white bases conspicuous when ruffled. 



A big bird of powerful flight, black against the sky. 



Constant persecution through custom and habit, and the 

 ever-present menace of electric-power wires in their habitat, 

 have greatly reduced the numbers of this species. 



BALD EAGLE 



(352. Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus) Male, 

 30-36 in. Female, 34-42 in. 



Body wholly black; head, neck, and tail white. 



Young birds in the first winter are a streaky mixture of brown 

 and gray, much darker above. Later stages show heavy streak- 

 ing of black and white on under parts. Probably three years 

 required to attain adult stage. 



Feeds largely upon fish and carrion, but is naturally de- 

 structive to fawns and lambs, and neither sentiment nor laws 

 prevent the destruction of this, our national bird, whenever 

 opportunity offers. 



While the Eagles are not our largest birds, as many believe, 

 being greatly exceeded in weight by the Swan and in wing 

 expanse by the California Condor, none compare with them in 

 the powerful, graceful flight, wild disposition and majestic mien 

 that have made the Bald Eagle our national emblem, and over- 

 shadow his ignoble feeding-habits. 



