GOLDEN EAGLE.
lower part of the feathers ; anil it is not until t i c bird is adult that the white entirely disappears. Tn t h e case
of the Sea-Eagle it is just the reverse; the tail of the immature bird is dark, and it is only after several moults
that the feathers become perfectly white. At about a year old there is hut little change in the plumage; the
tail is considerably more white than black, and the feathers on the legs or tarsi (the part that is bare ou the
Sea-Eagle; aad this is the best distinguishing mars for those who are not well acquainted with the two species)
nre nearly all white or shaded very slightly with a dark brown. The leathers on the crown or the head, I believe,
vary considerably ; in some specimens they may be scanty and worn, but in others I have observed them thick
nud in good condition ; they have not, however, the tawny hue so strongly marked as in tbe adults, but appear
of a paler or more washed-out colour. This stage of the bird is shown in Plate I. At the age of two years the
tail shows but little difference; the feathers on the hack and wings have changed from the uniform brown
tint and have a more mottled appearance; the tarsi are much the same, or, if any thing, rather warmer in
colour. This is the stage shown in Plate I I . , the drawing being taken from a female obtained in April. The
Eagle figured in Plate I I I . is probably hi tbe last stage before assuming tbe adult dress. The tail shows only
a small portion of white near the base, and the tarsi are of a wanner brown tint. Plato IV. gives the male in
the perfectly adult plumage. The white has entirely disappeared b a n the tail, the tarsi have turned a uniform
fawn-colour, and the breast has also become a rich dark warm brown (in some eases almost black); tbe feathers
on the head also are more tawny. The tint of these feathers 1 fancy fade- slightly alter the bird has been dead
some time. 1 have never seen on any spmmcn alive or fresh-killed the bright golden hue with which tbey
are at times depicted. The Gaelic name for tbe bird signifies " the Black Eagle; " and this appears to me far
moro appropriate t h a n that of Golden Eagle.