The golden eagles are one of North America's largest birds of prey. They have been eliminated from much of their native range in the eastern United States, with the largest populations now being found in the western states.
Adult birds are dark brown with pale golden feathers on the nape of the neck.
Immature birds lack the golden neck feathers and have white patches near the base of the tail and on the underside of the wings, near the tips. The legs and feet are covered with feathers almost to the toes. Like other birds of prey, the golden eagle possesses a sharp, hooked beak for tearing flesh and strong, sharp talons for capturing and holding its prey. From a distance, large hawks and vultures are often mistaken for the golden eagle or its close relative the bald eagle. In eastern North America, golden eagles are primarily birds of mountainous habitats, especially deciduous forests with open grassy areas.