Eagle, Hawk, Vulture?

I am guilty and more than likely you are too. I have often had people exclaim..."Look an eagle!" I then have to ever so quietly and kindly tell them that it is not an eagle but a vulture or hawk. So how does one distinguish between the different larger birds of prey? There are many ways, the most subtle and often overlooked are often the simplest, such as time of year, proximity to water, forest community type, and behavior. The most relied upon and accurate means however is to identify the silhouette, size, wing configuration, etc. Vultures soar with their wings in a "V" shape, eagles wings are flat and hawks are as well... An eagles wing span can be 7-8 feet across. A hawks span is typically around 4 feet. If you can get close enough, a mature bald eagle is easy to identify. The large white tail feathers and white head are prominent, and the legs are very yellow. If you are looking for them on a body of water, search for a soft-ball sized patch of white in the upper part of a tree-line. Of course there are many other birds of prey-and depending on where you are you might find some really interesting or unusual species. Kites, merlins, falcons, owls, and ospreys are interesting and fun to watch. Many areas have full-time resident eagle populations while other areas of the country have limited or migratory groups. To learn more check with your local wildlife management agencies. Keep on Birding. © listen to songs of this species