Bird Identification

juvenile-immature golden and bald eagle soaring

How to Tell a Juvenile Golden Eagle from a Juvenile Bald Eagle

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are among the largest and most emblematic North American raptors. Both eagles are the national bird of Mexico and the United States of America, respectively. Golden and bald eagles have relatively easy-to-distinguish plumages. The uniform dark brown plumage of a large raptor identifies it …

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Juvenile & Immature Bald Eagles

Juvenile & Immature Bald Eagles

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of the most emblematic and recognizable North American birds. Most people are familiar with the appearance of an adult bald eagle. Still, few recognize juvenile and immature plumages that precede the impressive white-headed plumage of the adult. This article describes the age and plumages that juvenile and immature …

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hummingbird identification

Hummingbird Identification: An Illustrated Guide to all 14 North American Species

Bird identification requires paying attention to a bird’s size, shape, color patterns, behavior, geographic location, time of the year, and habitat. When it comes to hummingbirds at feeders (where they are more likely to be seen), one should focus on a bird’s color patterns and the sighting’s location and time of the year. Males Pay …

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identification raven crow

Differences Between an American Crow and a Common Raven (with Map, Pictures, and Sounds)

This article lists simple steps to help you tell apart and safely identify a common raven and an American crow. Steps are listed in descending order, from general differences between the two species, such as geographic distribution, to fine-grain details of their appearance. Both ravens and crows are recognized as “crows” by most people. But …

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