An eagle's body is adapted for its fishing
and scavenging lifestyle. Its tail helps with:
Balance in flight--the tail is long
enough and wide enough to help balance the bird's head in flight
Surface area for soaring--the tail
can widen to provide extra surface area, allowing thermals and updrafts to
keep it aloft with little effort.
Sturdy and short so when the bird
hits water hard and fast while fishing, the tail won't be damaged and won't
get in the way.
Helps other eagles see how mature
this one is. The tail of a young bird is dark brown, and turns white when
the bird becomes mature when at 4 - 6 years of age.
