Two types common to North America are the bald eagle and the golden eagle . Bald eagles and golden eagles are very similar in size and shape. They also occupy much of the same habitat. In fact, young bald eagles are often mistaken for golden eagles because they are so similarly colored. However, when bald eagles are about 4 years old, they develop their white heads and tails that easily distinguish them from golden eagles.
Eagles are very large when compared to most other birds.
Their wingspan can be over 7 feet from wingtip to wingtip. But eagles, like other birds, are very light. Eagles weigh only about 9 pounds - lighter than an average family cat. Eagles have wings that are specially adapted to soaring. They can stay aloft just by outstretching their broad wings and riding on air currents.