Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

The golden eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America.

Description:

Adult golden eagles are evenly dark below with slight lightening at base of tail. There is a wash of gold on nape of neck (golden mantle). They have broad wings that run 30-41 inches in length. The overall wingspan is 6 ½ -7 ½ feet.

Voice:

Seldom heard. A yelping “bark,” kya or whistled notes.

Food:

Golden eagle mainly feed on rabbits and large rodents and occasionally birds. They will feed on roadkill deer.

Nest:

A mass of sticks on cliff ledge or treetop, lined with finer material. The clutch is 1-3 creamy color eggs with dark markings.

Habitat:

Open mountains, foothills, canyons and plains.

Range:

Throughout North America predominately in the West.

Migration:

Short-to medium-distance migrant. Northern birds (in Alaska and Canada) migrate up to thousands of miles to wintering grounds; southern pairs tend to be resident year-round.

Comments:

Flat-winged gliding and soaring; with only occasional wing beats. Hunts by soaring then diving down to capture prey.

3/10/21/ok