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From: mjm@oliven.olivetti.com (Michael Mammoser)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation,rec.birds
Subject: Re: The most competent soaring pilots are...
Message-ID: <49422@olivea.atc.olivetti.com>
Date: 17 Sep 90 23:52:24 GMT
References: <1990Sep11.125658@unify.com> <933@jli.UUCP> <1990Sep14.171720@unify.com>
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 In article <1990Sep14.171720@unify.com>, raveling@unify.com (Paul Raveling) writes:
 > 
 > 	6 feet wingspread + fish sounds like a golden eagle.  I'm not
 > 	sure about white dappling on the underside though; anyone know
 > 	if that's a sign of a young golden eagle?  Or do osprey get that
 > 	large?

	Immature Golden Eagles do have some white on the undersides,
but it is concentrated at the base of the primaries/secondaries and
the tail. I would not describe its effect as "dappled". Also, a
Golden Eagle is not likely to be carrying a fish; they are basically
hunters of rodents and small mammals. While an Osprey may have a
wingspan that approaches 6 feet, its underside could not be described
as "dappled" white either. The body is almost totally white, and the
wings and tail are mostly white with dark barring.

	However, the immature Bald Eagle lacks the white head and tail
of the adult, but may have extensive white mottling or "dappling" on
the underside of the body and wings. This bird is also a "fish-eater"
and could be expected to be carrying a fish.

Mike