The two species of eagles in North America, the bald and the golden eagle, both reside in Alaska in healthy numbers and nest in the Interior. A large bird that can weigh up to 12 pounds, the golden eagle has a broad wings spread that can reach to more than 7 feet. Like many raptors, the females are considerably larger than males. The overall color is dark brown with the color on the head and neck a lighter golden brown to very light blond.
Young birds are darker with the golden tones of the head and neck less pronounced.
Immature birds also have white at the base of the tail and irregular white patches under the wings which disappear when the bird becomes an adult. Identification of young eagles is sometimes confusing. The bald eagle is much the same in size and color as golden eagles under 3 years old except that the golden eagle shows white at the base of its black-tipped tail. Another noticeable difference is the golden eagle's legs, which are feathered d own to the toes, whereas the lower legs of the bald eagle are bare. At 3 years of age the feathers on the head, neck and tail of the bald eagle turn white.