Golden Eagle

Lore & Background

For centuries, this species has been one of the most highly regarded birds used in falconry. Because of its hunting prowess, the golden eagle is regarded with great mystic reverence in some ancient, tribal cultures. It is one of the most extensively studied species of raptor in the world in some parts of its range, such as the Western United States and the Western Palearctic. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many areas that are heavily populated by humans. Despite being extirpated from or uncommon in some of its former range, the species is still widespread, being present in sizeable stretches of Eurasia, North America, and parts of North Africa. It is the largest and least populous of the five species of true accipitrid to occur as a breeding species in both the Palearctic and the Nearctic.

In Their Own Story

The wind hissed across the granite spine of the Rockies, carrying the sharp scent of pine resin and melting snow. Perched on a sun-warmed crag, the eagle's golden-brown plumage dissolved into the rock, rendering it invisible to the jackrabbit frozen in the sage below. Then came the shadow—not a drifting cloud, but a silent predator dropping like a stone from the heavens. In a heartbeat of silence broken only by the rush of air, talons snapped shut with bone-crushing force, snatching the prey before the valley could even register the strike.

Reader's Guide

Golden eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km2 (77 sq mi). They build large nests in cliffs and other high places to which they may return for several breeding years. Most breeding activities take place in the spring; they are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life. Females lay up to four eggs, and then incubate them for six weeks. Typically, one or two young survive to fledge in about three months. These juvenile golden eagles usually attain full independence in the fall, after which they wander widely until establishing a territory for themselves in four to five years. Golden eagles use their agility and speed combined with powerful feet and large, sharp talons to hunt a variety of prey, mainly hares, rabbits, and marmots and other ground squirrels.

Did You Know?

• The golden eagle is the most widely distributed species of eagle.
• Females lay up to four eggs and incubate them for six weeks.
• Juvenile golden eagles typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings.
• Golden eagles may maintain home ranges as large as 200 km2 (77 sq mi).
• The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae as Falco chrysaetos.