THE EAGLE 
103 
slow and powerful strokes. Often he seems to float 
through the air. 
“He doesn’t get his white feathers until he is four 
years old. Therefore, as a young bird he is easily 
mistaken for his kinsman, the Golden Eagle, whose 
feathers are dark brown.” 
Father Blair had a question at this point. 
“You say he just loo\s bald, Ely, and really isn’t 
bald? Then we have misnamed him, haven’t we?” 
“Certainly have, Bob. Ought to be named Silver 
Eagle, or something like that. However, I suppose 
American Eagle is his real name.” 
“That’s right,” agreed Father. “I hope we will see 
one. How big is he, and where does he nest?” 
“Why, as I recall, American eagles grow to be 
about three feet tall, taller than a turkey. Their 
wings may spread as much as seven or eight feet; thus 
you can see how an eagle might carry off a lamb or 
other small animal. They prefer fish, however.” 
“Usually these eagles nest in high trees, along the 
seacoast or near a lake. Sometimes the nest is on a 
cliff ledge. The nest may be as large as six feet across 
and six feet high, made of a wagon load of sticks and 
rubbish. The female Bald eagle will lay two dull 
white eggs. Her eaglets are brave little fellows who 
