Dumb question..
Dec 16, 2021 02:41:13 #
I realize that this is probably a stupid question with an obvious answer, but one that I genuinely don't know. (perhaps because I am a transplant from the UK where such magnificent creatures don't fly free, so I never saw any in my younger years). So the question is, why are these birds called "bald eagles", when they are so obviously not "bald", In fact they sport quite a magnificent crown? And I know it's quite possible that I am the only person who doesn't know the answer, and could ask Mr Google for the answer, but I'm curious to know if I really am the last person in the dark, or if any others don't know either. Please, no cheating, just fess up if you don't know why they carry that contradictory name, and then an explanation to explain it would be great. Thanks guys, please don't let it be only me!
Dec 16, 2021 03:08:28 #
Their head feathers are snowy white when they mature & it take a few, to maybe even several years for the maturity to happen, and some people apparently thought they looked bald because people get bald wehe they get 'old.'
Dec 16, 2021 03:32:41 #
twowindsbear wrote:
Their head feathers are snowy white when they mature & it take a few, to maybe even several years for the maturity to happen, and some people apparently thought they looked bald because people get bald wehe they get 'old.'
Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the quick reply Twowindsbear.
Dec 16, 2021 03:32:52 #
The word " bald " comes from the old English "balde," meaning white.
Dec 16, 2021 05:49:16 #
big-guy wrote:
The word " bald " comes from the old English "balde," meaning white.
Well, I've now learned something for the day.
Dec 16, 2021 06:21:49 #
Without looking *** I Believe Bald eagles head feathers are brown until they are 3 yrs old and apparently after a molt the white head feathers come in.
Dec 16, 2021 06:24:03 #
According to the National Park Service and other credible sources the name actually comes from the word piebald, meaning two colors, usually black and white.
Dec 16, 2021 06:39:15 #
big-guy wrote:
The word " bald " comes from the old English "balde," meaning white.
Thank you
Dec 16, 2021 06:42:12 #
Interesting answers, thanks guys. I'm still curious though, is there anyone else who was unsure about the usage of the name, or is it just me?
Dec 16, 2021 07:20:57 #
KindaSpikey wrote:
Interesting answers, thanks guys. I'm still curious though, is there anyone else who was unsure about the usage of the name, or is it just me?
I'm a "Brazilian Transplant" that arrived in this Country late 1968 and when I first saw this majestic bird that I had not seen before, me too was puzzled by the name "Bald Eagle", but not as much curious as you I just accepted the name "Haliaeetus leucocephalus" scientific for the Bald Eagle The species name is derived from the Greek leuco, meaning ‘white’, and cephalis, meaning ‘head’. This name is in reference to the white plumage on its head.
Hope this helps you as it did me. Cheers
Dec 16, 2021 11:32:50 #
Dec 16, 2021 11:54:17 #
Dec 16, 2021 20:56:14 #
KindaSpikey wrote:
Interesting answers, thanks guys. I'm still curious though, is there anyone else who was unsure about the usage of the name, or is it just me?
Not just you. But I never even thought about it until I saw your post. That's when I realized that I had absolutely NO idea!
Dec 16, 2021 21:13:59 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
Not just you. But I never even thought about it until I saw your post. That's when I realized that I had absolutely NO idea!
Phew, ok so I'm relieved it's not just me, there's 2 of us now! Lol, I'm in good company.
Dec 16, 2021 22:10:30 #
lmTrying
Loc: WV Northern Panhandle
Born n raised in U.S. for 70 years. I wasn't sure, but thought it had something to do with the white feathers. I'm glad you asked the question, because I have often wondered the same thing. (See my signature line)
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.