About the Golden Eagle
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is the largest bird of prey in North America. They are carnivorous birds that live for approximately 30 years in the wild. Golden eagles can dive on their prey at speeds faster than 150 mph, scooping up small animals with their sharp talons.
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Appearance
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Golden eagles are dark brown and have golden feathering on their heads. They have large hooked beaks and long wings and tails. Their tails have two median bands in lighter brown. Golden eagles range from 33 to 38 inches tall and have a wingspan of 6 to 7.5 feet.
Diet
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Golden eagles eat small animals such as rabbits, squirrels, marmots, foxes, cats, skunks, tortoises and pheasants. They also consume carrion, birds, insects and fish. Golden eagles occasionally attack deer but usually prey on smaller animals.
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Location
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Golden eagles live in Mexico and western parts of North America. They also live in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Habitat
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Golden eagles often live in remote areas and have territories around 60 square miles. Golden eagles are either solitary or in pairs; they do not convene in flocks.
Nesting
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Golden eagles build nests high in trees, on telephone poles or cliffs, and they often return to the same nest many years in a row. Female golden eagles lay one to four eggs once a year. Both the male and female eagles incubate the eggs for approximately six weeks, and one or two of the offspring usually survives.
Migration
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Depending on their location, some golden eagles migrate in the fall. Golden eagles in Canada or Alaska often migrate, but golden eagles in the Western United States and Mexico often stay in the same territory throughout the year.
Considerations
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Golden eagles enjoy a protected status in the United States through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to possess a golden eagle feather or other eagle body part.
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References
- Photo Credit Golden eagle image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
