This large soaring raptor is dark brown overall with varying amounts of golden-brown on the crown and nape. Adults have some gray mottling on the tail, sometimes forming indistinct bands. Juvenile birds have white at the base of the tail and on the base of the primaries and secondaries, forming large windows on the wings in flight. The amount of white diminishes with each molt until the bird reaches adult plumage at the age of four. The legs are feathered all the way down to the feet, unlike Bald Eagle, which has bare tarsi. In flight, appears longer-tailed. Unlike Bald Eagle, shows very little head and neck projection ahead of the leading edge of the wings.

Length: 76 (cm) Wingspan: 203 (cm)

Voice:

A soft yelping, like a puppy.

Habitat:

A variety of open habitats, including steppe, tundra, grasslands, and rimrock.

Behavior:

Often glides with wings in a slight dihedral, but capable of rapid powered flight and steep dives. Some traditional nesting sites have been consistently occupied for more than 100 years.

Feeding:

Primarily preys on hares, rabbits, and large rodents. Also takes large birds, snakes, and hoofed animals.