May 4, 2019
Just a hint of taupe remains at the end of D32's sharp talons. At 30 days of age, D32's feet and mid-toe is almost fully grown. Why do eaglet talons turn black? I wasn't able to find any research, but bald eaglets are white and pink at hatch. Nutrients in their diet might provide the building blocks for pigments like melanin. In high enough concentrations, this protein causes feathers to look black. It also helps to strengthen feathers, protecting them from wear and abrasion. Given all the use that talons get, the presence of strengthening melanin is a good thing!
