c 
GOLDEN EAGLE. 
lower part of the feathers ; and it is not until the bird is adult that the white entirely disappears. In the case 
of the Sea-Eagle it is just the reverse ; the tail of the immature bird is dark, and it is only after several moults 
that the feathers become perfectly white. At about a year old there is but little change in the plumage ; the 
tail is considerably more white than black, and the feathers on the legs or tarsi (the part that is bare on the 
Sea-Eagle ; and this is the best distinguishing mark for those who are not well acquainted with the two species) 
are nearly all white or shaded very slightly with a dark brown. The feathers on the crown of the head, I believe, 
vary considerably ; in some specimens they may be scanty and worn, but in others I have observed them thick 
and in good condition ; they have not, however, the tawny hue so strongly marked as in the adults, but appear 
of a paler or more washed-out colour. This stage of the bird is shown in Plate I. At the age of two years the 
tail shows but little difference ; the feathers on the back and wings have changed from the uniform brown 
tint and have a more mottled appearance ; the tarsi are much the same, or, if any thing, rather warmer in 
colour. This is the stage shown in Plate II., the drawing being taken from a female obtained in April. The 
Eagle figured in Plate III. is probably in the last stage before assuming the adult dress. The tail shows only 
a small portion of white near the base, and the tarsi are of a warmer brown tint. Plate IV. gives the male in 
the perfectly adult plumage. The white has entirely disappeared from the tail, the tarsi have turned a uniform 
fawn-colour, and the breast has also become a rich dark warm brown (in some cases almost black) ; the feathers 
on the head also are more tawny. The tint of these feathers 1 fancy fades slightly after the bird has been dead 
some time. I have never seen on any specimen alive or fresh-killed the bright golden hue with which they 
are at times depicted. The Gaelic name for the bird signifies “the Black Eagle; ” and this appears to me far 
more appropriate than that of Golden Eagle. 
