Head and tail feathers don't turn white until birds are four or five years old. Immature eagles' feet are yellow, but unlike the adults, their bills and eyes are brown. Thus, it is easy to confuse immature bald eagles with large hawks or golden eagles. Bird identification guides describe ways to tell these birds apart. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish.
Eagles scavenge dead fish along shorelines and capture live ones with their feet.
Their talons are stong and sharp, good for grasping prey. Occasionally, eagles eat waterbirds or mammals. Often these are carrion. During the breeding season, bald eagles establish and defend territories. Mated adults usually return to the same breeding territory each year.