Identification - The breeding adult has a dark brown body with a white head and tail. At close range note the large yellow bill, yellow eyes, and unfeathered legs. It soars on long (six to seven feet [1.8 to 2.1 meters]), flat or horizontal wings. Sexes are similar, although the female can often be recognized by her larger size when both adults are perched together at the nest site.
Morsels - Many stories endure about eagles carrying off children but they are totally without foundation. Studies have shown that, unless conditions are favorable, an eagle would have trouble lifting and carrying half its weight. Thus an exceptionally large female Bald Eagle, that may weigh up to 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms), would have trouble carrying anything that approached six to seven pounds (2.7 to 3.2 kilograms) unless the wind or thermals were fortuitous. The ideal weight is about 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms).
