The sight of an eagle soaring high above often sparks curiosity about these magnificent birds. Many people wonder what their young are called and how they develop from their first moments to independence.
The Name: Eaglet
The most widely recognized term for a baby eagle is “eaglet.” This name applies to the young of all eagle species, including Bald and Golden Eagles. The word “eaglet” is formed by adding the diminutive suffix “-let” to “eagle,” indicating a small or young version of the animal.
This term has a historical presence in the English language, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle English period. Its simplicity and descriptive nature have made “eaglet” the standard terminology in general conversation and ornithological contexts.
Beyond Eaglet: Other Terms and Developmental Stages
While “eaglet” serves as a general term, more specific names describe young eagles at different stages of their early development. A newly hatched eagle is referred to as a “hatchling.” These tiny birds are born with their eyes open or partly open, but are entirely dependent on their parents for warmth and food. Hatchlings possess a temporary projection on their beak, called an egg tooth, which they use to break out of their shell during hatching.
As the hatchling grows within the nest, it may also be called a “nestling.” This term broadly describes any young bird still confined to the nest. After several weeks, when the young eagle has developed sufficient feathers and muscle strength to take its first flight, it becomes known as a “fledgling.” Fledglings have left the nest, but they are not yet fully independent and still rely on their parents for sustenance and guidance as they hone their flight and hunting skills.
Life of a Young Eagle: From Hatchling to Independence
The journey of a young eagle from a vulnerable hatchling to an independent bird involves remarkable physical and behavioral transformations. Initially, bald eagle hatchlings weigh only about 3 ounces and are covered in light natal down. This down is replaced by a thicker, gray thermal down within about two weeks, which provides better insulation as they grow. Brown and black feathers begin to emerge around five weeks of age, leading to a fully feathered appearance by about 9 to 10 weeks.
Eaglets grow rapidly in the nest, with significant weight gain in their first weeks of life. Parents diligently feed them, tearing food into small, manageable pieces, though nestlings begin to feed themselves by around 40 days old. The first flights, or fledging, occur between 8 and 14 weeks after hatching, with Bald Eagles fledging around 10 to 12 weeks.
These initial flights can be clumsy, requiring considerable practice for the young eagles to master flying and landing. Even after leaving the nest, fledglings remain dependent on their parents for food for another 5 to 10 weeks. During this period, young eagles learn hunting techniques by observing their parents and through trial and error, often starting with scavenging before becoming proficient hunters. Full independence is gradually achieved over several months, and acquiring complete adult plumage and reaching sexual maturity can take 4 to 5 years, or even longer for some species.