Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think a 2cy Bald Eagle could be could be classified as a juvenile. It should be referred to as an immature bird.Nice image of a juvenile (2cy) Bald Eagle 🙂
note a similar age GE still has an fairly darkish bill, more clearly defined white banded tail and light feathering on the nape
ML223120291 - Golden Eagle - Macaulay Library
Macaulay Library ML223120291; © Cathy Beck; Pima, Arizona, United Statesmacaulaylibrary.orgML219069841 - Golden Eagle - Macaulay Library
Macaulay Library ML219069841; © Marilyn Hedges; Chelan, Washington, United Statesmacaulaylibrary.org
I disagree with you, sorry.Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think a 2cy Bald Eagle could be could be classified as a juvenile. It should be referred to as an immature bird.
This is the only point I was making really - the bird in the OP is still in the plumage attained when replacing the down feathers, so calling it a ‘juvenile’, even though it is in it’s second calendar year, is not just commonly but technically correct....the usage that a bird in its first fully feathered plumage is a juvenile for how ever long it stays in that plumage is commonly considered correct.
Niels
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think a 2cy Bald Eagle could be could be classified as a juvenile. It should be referred to as an immature bird.
Well I know Americans have different ways of labelling plumages but to say a 2cy Bald Eagle in juvenile plumage cannot be regarded as a ‘juvenile’ makes absolutely no sense from an ornithological perspective - at least in how we approach moult definitions etc outside of America.I have to agree with this. A second year bird should be called immature not juvenile.
Except for a few who got mixed up with a Roman poet! 😂... clearly, American ornithologists follow the same definitions.
Thanks Charlotte - all too often it’s easy to forget that at times 😉Hi Deb. As someone who has just started birding, I find you explanation really helpful as I find a lot of your
other posts. Your help is appreciated.