Identification of Golden Eagles in Camera Trap Images

Juvenile Plumage

Goldens do not develop their adult plumage until four to five years of age. Both juveniles and adults have a golden hue on their heads and nape. Juveniles can be distinguished by their uniform chocolate brown color, white patches on the underside of their wings, and a broad white band on their tail that changes to dark brown as they mature.

Subadult Plumage

Sub-adult wings are more adult-like, but they continue to show white in some of the tail feathers, which is generally absent in adults.

Adult Plumage

Both juveniles and adults have a golden hue on their heads and nape. The white tail and wing patches of the juvenile golden change to dark brown as they mature at 4 to 5 years of age. Adult goldens can appear similar to a juvenile bald eagle. Most adults completely lack the white in the wing or tail, although old, faded feathers may appear white.

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