The image of the adult bald eagle is familiar to most Americans. The body and wings of the adult bird are dark brown. The beak, eyes, and legs are yellow or golden, while the talons are black. Juvenile bald eagles lack the white heads and tails characteristic of adults, and can be confused with golden eagles. Their plumage is brown or mottled brown and white throughout.
Immature birds have darker beaks and eyes than adults.
Their plumage gradually becomes lighter until the birds reach their fourth or fifth year when they take on the appearance of adults. Young eagles have long wing and tail feathers making them appear larger than the heavier adults. The bald eagle's breeding range has traditionally covered all of North America south of the arctic circle. Currently the northern subspecies breeds in Alaska and Canada while its southern counterpart inhabits most of the lower 48 states. The largest concentrations of southern bald eagles are centered around Florida, Maine, the Chesapeake Bay region, the Great Lakes region, and the Pacific Northwest.