american bald eagle fledgling hunting from tree limb

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American Bald Eagle pose as it hunts from tree limb over Cayuga Lake NYS Royalty Free Stock Photo

American Bald Eagle immature on tree limb during rainy fall day on Cayuga Lake Royalty Free Stock Photo

American Bald Eagle fledgling hunting from tree limb

Juvenile Bald Eagles are mostly dark brown, although they have some white plumage on the undersides of their wings. Young Bald Eagles do not develop the white head and tail that their species is known for until they are about 5 years old. Juvenile Bald Eagles appear dark brown with white spots and mottling. When seen from below in flight, the end of the tail is tipped with a fairly distinct dark bar. As the young birds go through each successive molt, their plumage becomes more variable, and they become increasingly pale. Bald Eagles leave the nest about 2 to 3 months after hatching and keep their juvenile plumage until the following spring. Their new plumage includes more and more white coloration until the birds reach sexual maturity and their adult plumage at about 5.5 years old. During these first few years, the young eagles disperse widely, either in migration or as nomads.