1. Hatchling to Fledgling:
- Newborn: Baby bald eagles hatch with fluffy white down feathers covering their entire body, providing warmth and insulation.
- Fledgling: As the eaglet grows and develops, it begins to sprout dark feathers, first appearing on the wings, tail, and head.
2. Juvenile Plumage:
- Dark Brown Feathers: At around 1 to 2 years old, the young bald eagles have mostly dark brown feathers, with some white tips on the tail feathers.
- Bicoloured Tail Feathers: The juveniles have distinctive white splotches at the base of their tail feathers, a feature that helps differentiate them from adult eagles.
- Brown Iris: Their eyes are brown, gradually transitioning to the striking yellow colour characteristic of adult bald eagles.
3. Second Year Plumage:
- Darker Brown Feathers: In the second year, the bird's feathers become even darker, with hints of the iconic white head and tail beginning to emerge.
4. Subadult Plumage:
- Third Year: The eaglet's plumage gets brighter, with more white feathers on the head, neck, and tail, while the body feathers remain dark brown.
- Fourth Year: The subadult bald eagle's plumage is similar to that of the adults, with an almost entirely white head and tail. However, the wingtips may still have some brown feathers.
5. Adult Plumage:
- Fully Mature: By the fifth year, the bald eagle achieves its full adult plumage, characterised by a brilliant white head and tail contrasting with dark brown body feathers. Its eyes have completely transformed into a bright, piercing yellow.
Throughout the maturation process, the bald eagle's beak, talons, and legs also undergo gradual changes, becoming larger and more prominent as the bird approaches adulthood.
The transformation from a fluffy white eaglet to a majestic adult bald eagle is a captivating journey that reflects nature's remarkable processes and the wonder of avian development.