Well, both immature and adult birds could have tawny-edged feathers. So the color might not be a definitive clue. However, this harrier has dark brown eyes, which tells you that it's an immature female. (Immature males have paler eyes.) I read up on the timing of the eye color change in females -- they have dark eyes through their first year, then their eyes become progressively paler (adding yellow) through their second year. By the end of their third year, their eyes are mostly yellow.
Really nice being so intimate with this bird.
ReplyDeleteCould those orange feather tips be remnants of it's immature plumage?
Sue
Hi, Sue!
ReplyDeleteWell, both immature and adult birds could have tawny-edged feathers. So the color might not be a definitive clue. However, this harrier has dark brown eyes, which tells you that it's an immature female. (Immature males have paler eyes.) I read up on the timing of the eye color change in females -- they have dark eyes through their first year, then their eyes become progressively paler (adding yellow) through their second year. By the end of their third year, their eyes are mostly yellow.
Jackie