Golden Eagles are winter visitors to Dutchess County.

The eastern population breeds mainly in the tundra regions.  They are dark birds with buteo-like proportions, broad wings, small-billed, small head with golden feathers on the hindneck and side of neck, feathered tarsi (lower leg). The immatures usually have a distinctive white wing patch and the amount of white at the base of clearly banded tail is variable and is reduced with each molt and  can be distinguished from subadult Bald Eagles who are large-billed with extensive white patterning/mottling on the underwing and body.

For more information:  https://hawkwatch.org/goldeneagle

“Difference Between a Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle”

Next time you see a large dark bird similar in flight to a Turkey Vulture, take a closer look – it might be a Golden Eagle!

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