Which eagles are prohibited from being possessed by a general falconer?

The prohibition on possessing certain species of eagles, such as the bald eagle and the golden eagle, stems from their protected status under federal and state laws. Both species are classified as migratory birds and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which aims to conserve these birds and their habitats.

General falconers are typically allowed to possess certain species of falcons and hawks for the practice of falconry, but eagles are relegated to more specialized classifications due to their conservation status and the complexities involved in training and rehabilitating these larger birds of prey. This restriction helps ensure the ongoing protection of these majestic species, which have significant ecological and cultural value.

In contrast, the Steller's sea-eagle is not commonly found in the United States and is also protected, but it does not typically fall under the same regulations affecting the bald and golden eagles, making the latter two specifically prohibited for general falconers. Thus, the correct answer identifies both the bald and golden eagles as species that cannot be possessed by general falconers, aligning with conservation laws and ethical practices in falconry.