{a work still in progress!}
Golden Eagles have several different plumages before they reach their all-dark adult plumage in their 5th year. Individuals can vary widely, but pre-adult plumages tend to show more white, especially under the wings. This photo show a sub-adult with a lot of white underwing; this photo shows a sub-adult with what some refer to as “windows” under the wings–distinctive oval-shaped white patches toward the tips of the wings.
Golden Eagles rarely communicate vocally; when they do, they use mostly high-pitched, weak, whistled notes—ironically wimpy-sounding, for such a majestic creature. You can hear a clip of the Golden Eagle call here; scroll down to the “typical voice” section.
On the wild side of the Arkansas River valley 