Youngster With An Itch

Description

Eagles have a specialized muscle system that allows them to extend one leg to scratch their head while keeping the other leg gripping their perch or the ground. This is a routine hygiene behaviour, not for clearing parasites. Like most animals birds get itchy skin due to feather molting, dry skin, or minor irritations. Their talons are sharp and strong enough to reach their head and neck where they cannot use their beak easily.

Taken By

Dennis Smith

Taken On

August 16, 2026

Tagged

animal beak bird buzzard hawk eagle vulture accipitridae bird_of_prey vertebrate accipitriformes wing falcon

Assignments

Wildlife