Decorah Eagles - How to Tell Difference between Mom and Dad

[rockinran]

I was wondering if these traits are typical of all Eagles or just these two from Decorah?

[lovesbriardi]

That was wonderful because I sure couldn't tell them apart . Thanks.

[Tammicat21]

YAY!!!! Now I finally know who is on the nest whenever I tune in(which is constantly)Thank you, thank you, thank you:)

[irish3882]

Great job, thanks so much for teaching us.

[Arrooh]

Great. Thank you - sure makes it easier.

[NaiAlai55]

Great idea! LOL. Mom doesn't look mean. She looks *fierce.* Another difference I noticed between Mom and Dad: The inverted V at the 'featherline' (on top of) Mom's beak is more pronounced or sharper than Dad's.

[scottsdalegranny1]

Thank you so much. I knew part of that but the way you explained it makes me more sure of myself. I can't tell you how much I enjoy watching this family. I have to run and check on them between chores. You do a great job.

[rose0500]

I am an avid watcher of these wonderful birds and can't get enough of them. I'm fascinated by the tutorials and have learned so much. Thanks for this concise, eagle-friendly video.

[ftnote9]

wonderful ... well done, thanks!

[demonbrc55]

I refer to this video all the time for myself and my class. Thanks so much!

[slskhwalley]

Thanks so much for this tutorial...really appreciate you pointing out the distinguishing features between parents.

[Minorsmanor]

Thank you so much for all the educating you are giving to all of us!!!!! It really means a lot! God bless, and keep up the wonderful work!!!!!

[hourglassfigure1]

Thanks much Red, finally ! Going to send this to school here in Prairie du Chien , WI so the science teachers will believe the kids that watched all of Decorah nest 24/7 with me. wi_hourglassfigure. Thanks again so much !

[deborahfl]

Thanks for the tutorial. I wish I'd known back in late March/early April. Better late than never!

[lisakaz35]

Very very nice. I always get tripped on size but the rest was most helpful. Thanks.

[LeveesOrg]

I wish I had watched this months ago! It's so easy to ell them apart once you know what to look for!

[mevrouwpluijmpie]

hey dave; is this your voice????

blossem

[1Tootsiebell]

Wow! Thanks so much for posting this. I am a teacher and my students will love this.

[PaleAsh]

Thanks! This is very helpful. :D

[lucycatism]

One of the things I noticed about Dad is that he's the housekeeper. A few days ago, Mom dropped a very narrow, large twig on the chicks' heads and Papa later picked it up and put it on the side of the nest. Also, Dad has more white edgings on his back feathers. It is wonderful to see this, I made a donation to the RRP this week because I would not have been able to see this if it weren't for their dedication. thanks for posting

[lynnej1970]

hornby eagles are good too.

[valnaples]

ahhhh!! LOVE this ..thank you thank you ALL for bringing these fabulous birds to us! I am amazed and in awe every day...lovely!

[NotreDameMom]

What a great tutorial!! Thanks!

[ginger4bailey]

Thank you so much. I had the picture but the explanation helped so much more.

[BaadGuppy]

It helped a lot! Thank you!

[freshwindbrightsky]

thanks for taking the time to make this! Now I can easily tell, whereas before I was just clueless!

[charj57]

Thank you so much. Now I know for sure.  Can't wait to show the kids tomorrow.

[lizcis]

ty for this...can I ask a question? when the pair is in the nest at the same time why does one seem mad, yesterday one came back with food and even tried to feed the babies and the other grabed the food out of its mouth like he or she didnt want the other to feed them...just curious...love watching them~ Beth

[bigrediggy]

@lizcis First of all, I am not an eagle expert. I am just like the majority of people here that are hooked on watching this pair of eagles. My opinion on the matter is I think most of us have a tendency of attaching human emotions to our feathery friends. I believe we need to remember that these are wild creatures and when we think one seems "mad" at another one that probably isn't the case. Of course it may actually be the case and maybe he just missed his morning coffee and had a bad day. :)

[moonspirit48]

Thanks for this tutorial!

[moonspirit48]

Poor Mom, even though she's younger than Dad, looks like she's been through the wringer! Laying those eggs must be hard on her.

[lilangel2226]

I think this is amazing. I am a total animal lover and love birds of prey The Bald Eagle is amoung one of my favorites. I truly can watch this for hours thank you for providing it

[1955roxie]

Great lesson, thanks so much!!

[immasuperninja]

Thanks I have been following these eagles almost two weeks...and I am so glad to know the difference

[Mothersown]

...

FANTASTIC tutorial!!  Thx so much!!!

[bigrediggy]

@twinkie57401- Actually Dad is around 4 years older than Mom.

[bigfanx]

Excellent explanation... wonderful comparison pics. Now I'll be able to identify Mom or Dad right away. :) Thank you.

[twinkie57401]

Dad looks younger and more colorful, Mom looks more haggled and grey. I think the Dad is quite a bit younger.

[Elainiwen]

Lol, guyliner and eyeshadow. Anyway thanks, this was really useful. :)

[amrindle]

Thank you! I have been watching for weeks now, and have been trying to find my own distinction between the two, but they are so infrequenty in the nest together... Thanks!!! :)

[Gma710]

Thank you so much

[Hannerhin]

In the initial split screen, it also looks like Mom's nostril is smaller, not as open as Dad's. Can eagles change the shape of the nostril? Also when you're talking about the respective beaks, I'd say Mom's has a longer or more defined "hook", which might be distinctive when they're feeding the eaglets. Might even get in the way more than Dad's.

That's a really helpful video - thanks!

[Miat62]

Nice job with this. Thanks, It really helps a lot for a novice like me.

[RenaissanceMan929]

I always think the eye shadow is the easiest difference to tell, on the streaming video it REALLY stands out. If you hang around long enough to see them on the nest at the same time there will be no question which is which.

[GaryE20904]

This is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to do all of this!

[veloise]

Mom looks exhausted.

[UpstateKate]

Thanks! This was very helpful :)

[mmclem1112]

Thanks

[sharonissharing]

Thank you! Great tutorial!

[LuckyLu81]

That was awesome!! Thank you so much.

[Sue1093]

Very Helpful!  Thanks

[doctortalk121]

@Sue1093 +1 you should post that on the cam page.