Adolescent Golden Eagle

The yellow area on a Golden eagle's beak is called the cere. It is the fleshy, waxy covering at the base of the upper beak where the nostrils are located. In younger Golden eagles (typically under 4 or 5 years old), the cere and the legs are bright yellow. As the bird matures into adulthood, the cere gradually turns a duller, pale blue-grey colour, which is one of the key visual indicators used to distinguish adult eagles from juveniles. Characteristic of the Golden Eagle is the long feathers extending down to the bird's feet.