GOLDEN EAGLE

The golden eagle is one of the largest and most regal birds of prey. But it has long been persecuted, especially by some farmers, who have long held the mistaken belief that if kills farm animals and poultry.

HABITAT

A large bird that hunts from the air, the golden eagle is most at home in wide open spaces. Today, although it can be found among the forests and wetlands of eastern Asia, Europe, and North America, it inhabits mountains and moors where there is little cover for its prey.

BREEDING

Golden eagles usually build their nests, called aeries, on rocky ledges, cliffs or trees. In some places eagles have used the same rocky ledges for hundreds of years. Nests in trees are often reused and expanded every year.

When courting, the male flies quickly through the air, diving and soaring repeatedly. The first egg is usually laid in March.

Incubation begins before a second egg is laid, so the first chick hatches three or four days before the second. The second chick usually starves or is killed by the older chick.

FOOD & HUNTING

The golden eagle preys mainly on small animals, especially the mountain hare. It scavenges the remains of larger animals, such as deer. Other prey includes young foxes, mink, lizards, snakes, and game birds such as red grouse and ptarmigan.

Most prey is caught on the ground, but the golden eagle will catch some birds in midair. Its sharp eyesight enables it to see small prey from some distance away.

EAGLE & MAN

The golden eagle was once widespread throughout the Great Plains. Its numbers have declined due to persecution from hunters and farmers.

The eagle's habitat is now threatened as well. Reforestation is reducing the open areas over which the eagle hunts. Insecticides (DDT, dieldrin) have adversely affected the eagle's breeding success. Despite bans on these chemicals, poisoning remains the greatest threat to the eagles today. 

Size

Length: 30-35 inches.

Wingspan: 6-7 feet.

Weight: 6-13 lb.

Breeding

Sexual maturity: 4-5 years.

Breeding season: March-July.

Number of broods: 1

Incubation: 43-45 days.

Fledging period: 65-70 days.

Lifestyle

Habit: Solitary or paired, hunts for prey on the ground while soaring on thermals (hot air currents).

Diet: Small mammals and birds caught alive or eaten as carrion.

Lifespan: 15-20 years.