Aquila chrysaetos
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a magnificent and powerful raptor renowned for its impressive size and hunting prowess. Adults typically measure 74-87 cm (29-34 in) in length with a massive wingspan of 185-235 cm (73-93 in), and weigh between 3-6.5 kg (7-14 lbs), with females generally larger than males. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, with a distinctive golden-buff wash on the nape and hindneck, giving the species its common name. Key identification marks include broad wings hel...
Golden Eagles primarily inhabit open, mountainous country, grasslands, tundras, and deserts, often interspersed with cliffs or tall trees for nesting and roosting. They can be found from sea level to high alpine elevations, depending on prey availability and suitable terrain.
Golden Eagles are opportunistic and powerful predators, primarily consuming a wide variety of medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, marmots, ground squirrels, and young ungulates. They also hunt birds, including grouse and waterfowl, and readily scavenge carrion, especially in winter.
Golden Eagles are diurnal hunters, typically soaring high in the sky or perching on prominent vantage points to scan for prey. Their primary foraging strategy involves high-speed stoops from great heights, but they also engage in low-level pursuit or hunt cooperatively. They are fiercely territor...
The Golden Eagle boasts an impressive Holarctic distribution, spanning much of the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Eurasia, and parts of North Africa. In North America, they breed across Alaska, western Canada, and the western United States, extending south into Mexico. Eurasian populat...
Least Concern
- Golden Eagles are one of the fastest birds in the world during a hunting dive (stoop), capable of reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h). - Their massive stick nests, called 'aeries,' can be more than 2 meters (6.5 ft) in diameter and 4 meters (13 ft) deep, weighing over a ton. - A ...