STATUSLeast Concern
COMMON NAME (SCIENTIFIC NAME)Aquila chrysaetos
DIETPrey includes marmots, hares, mice, and sometimes slow-flying birds, martens, foxes, and even deer.
RANGEGolden eagles living in the northern parts of North America and Asia migrate south in winter. They range from sea level to high mountains such as the Alps and the Himalayas.
HABITATOpen space of mountains, plateaus, and steppes. Also found in prairie, scrubland, desert, and tundra habitats.
About: With broad, rounded wings, the colors of the eagle’s feathers range from black-brown to dark brown. The striking golden head and neck give the bird its common name.
Eagles have fantastic eyesight, but they cannot move their eyes much in their socket. Instead, they can rotate their heads 270 degrees!
Life Cycle/ Social Structure Golden eagles are somewhat solitary birds, but they may bathe in small groups or roost together in cold weather. Immature birds often hang out with each other in winter, and fledgling pairs may preen each other. Golden eagles are excellent hunters. They often work in pairs while hunting: one eagle drives the prey to its waiting partner.
A golden eagle pair stays together for life, building several nests in their territory over the years. The female lays two eggs a few days apart between January and May, depending on the habitat. The mother feeds the eaglets for about 50 days. Golden eagles don’t reach their full adult plumage until they are five years old.
Predators: Adult golden eagles have no natural predators, however, chicks are preyed on by wolverines and grizzly bears.
