Both young and adult bald eagles have yellow legs. The young birds have a dark beak and black eyes, both of which turn bright yellow as they become adults. Immature bald eagles often are confused with golden eagles, which are also nearly solid brown. One characteristic that sets the two species apart is the leg. The bald eagle's legs are naked, while golden eagles have feathers all the way down to the talons.
Fish comprise the bulk of the bald eagle's diet.
In midwinter, dead or crippled waterfowl and other wildlife become important food sources. Nests usually are built near the top of a large tree. Enlarged annually, a bald eagle nest can become the largest of any North American bird. Both parents incubate the eggs for a 35-day period. Although the life expectancy of wild eagles may 30 years, some have lived 50 years in captivity.