We've all heard people use the phrase "eagle eye," and there is good reason - eagles have exceptional eyesight. Bald eagles have eyesight estimated to be four times sharper than humans. They also have dual-focus ability - meaning they can focus their eyes on an object ahead of them and another on the side at the same time. No one knows why, but like many raptors, the iris of the bald eagle starts out dark brown, and turns bright yellow by the time the bird matures sexually, at 4 to 5 years of age. Their adult eye color is almost identical to the color of the bill. Eagles' daytime eyesight is excellent. However, experts say their nighttime eyesight and hearing is about the same as ours, and their senses of taste and smell are poor. To learn more about the characteristics of the bald eagle, click on any of the photos or links below. Gender differences || Eyesight || Wings, flight & migration Life stages || Why "bald" eagles? || Nesting & breeding Habitat & Threats || Predators & Predation Terms of Use - Copyright 2007 Central Vermont Public Service Copyright photos CVPS, Floyd Scholz U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Web related issues || Site developed by Interactive Media Advertising