The golden eagle, also known as the golden eagle and the tail eagle, is one of the most majestic birds that exist due to its size and large size. Its scientific name is Aquila chrysaetos and it is part of the diurnal birds of prey, so it has perfect plumage for camouflage and is a truly voracious predator.
The golden eagle is spread over various regions of the planet, so it is possible to see it in its natural habitat while flying, hunting or perched on a surface. In this file on our site we talk about the characteristics of the golden eagle, its size and wingspan, as well as its distribution and habits, such as the way it feeds or how it reproduces. Read on to find out all the facts about this amazing animal!
Taxonomic classification of the golden eagle
Although in the past this bird inhabited almost all the countries of the northern hemisphere, at present the populations have decreased considerably due to factors such as the destruction of their habitats or the scarcity of prey, of which we will speak more in depth in the section dedicated to its state of conservation.
Focusing on the taxonomic classification of the species, according to data provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [1], is the next:
- Animalia Kingdom
- Filo: Chordata
- Class: Birds
- Order: Falconiformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Aquila
- Species: Aquila chrysaetos
In addition, the following subspecies of the golden eagle are currently recognized:
- Aquila chrysaetos canadensis
- Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos
- Aquila chrysaetos daphanes
- Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri
- Aquila chrysaetos japonica
Characteristics of the golden eagle
Catalogued among the great birds of prey, the largest in Spain and in all of North America, the golden eagle has a wing span of 185-220 cmand 70 to 90 cm long from head to tail. Their weight ranges between 3, 8 and 6 kilograms, with the females being larger than the males, since the latter rarely barely exceed 4 and a half kilos. It is a bird with long wings and a long tail, the latter measuring half the width of the wings. Thus, the size of the golden eagle is quite impressive considering its measurements.
In general, the plumage of the golden eagle is dark brown, although it has golden tonesin the area of the crown, neck and nape, this being one of its main characteristics. Likewise, the tail is grayish brown and the wings are brownish gray. The youngest specimens have lighter shades at the tips of the wings, almost white. On the tail they have a white stripe and black tips. As a whole, juvenile golden eagles show a much more striking color contrast. However, as they grow, the lighter shades fade, giving a general appearance in brown and brown tones with the aforementioned golden areas. Adult plumage is reached between 4 and 6 years of life.
Another of the most representative characteristics of the golden eagle is the color of its eyes, between yellowish and dark brown. The bill is robust, curved and black, with yellow cere. The legs are also yellow and the claws, strong and well developed, are black.
Golden Eagle Distribution and Habitat
Currently, the golden eagle covers almost the entire northern hemisphere, so it is distributed throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa and North AmericaIn North America they are found from Alaska to Mexico, although in the latter country they are seriously threatened; some specimens are also found in eastern Canada and the United States. In Europe it is present on a stable basis in countries such as Norway, Spain or Italy.
Some golden eagles are migratory birds and others are not, so we do not always find the same number of specimens in all countries. In Spain, for example, it is a resident bird, that is, it does not migrate, being more common in areas such as the Guadalquivir depression, both plateaus, as well as the main mountain ranges of the peninsula, being rare in Galicia and the Cantabrian. The golden eagles that migrate do so in autumn, returning to their origin when spring arrives. Some eagles winter in the B altic countries, Ukraine, Russia and Finland.
Golden Eagle Habitat
As for the habitat of the golden eagle, it tends to look for areas with a high altitude, so it can be found up to 3,600 metersabove sea level. It prefers open or semi-open areas, such as tundra, grasslands or thickets, although it also frequents coniferous forests. In general, it tends to have a predilection for mountain areas, which is why it is common on cliffs and high peaks.
Discover more details about the habitat of these majestic animals in this other article: "Where do eagles live?".
Golden Eagle Customs
The golden eagle is an animal generally of habits solitary or lives in pairs. Only the youngest specimens that have not reproduced, the adults that winter in very cold places or when there is an abundance of food, live in small groups.
On the other hand, as we have already mentioned, some golden eagles migrate while others remain always in the same area. Those found in Alaska and Canada, for example, often migrate south in the fall in search of food. Those who live in Spain, on the other hand, do not migrate.
Something relevant in this species of bird is its flight. It makes mostly slow wingbeats and some more powerful ones, especially when hunting. However, it is a bird that tends to plan more than fly Likewise, during the flight it keeps its wings completely horizontal, contrary to what other birds do birds of prey like vultures. In terms of speed, it can reach up to 320 km/h, making it one of the fastest birds in existence.
Golden Eagle Feeding
The golden eagle is a great hunter Like other birds of prey, it is capable of hunting prey as large as sheep, antelope or calves of reindeer, adapting their diet to the availability of prey in their environment. However, the diet of the golden eagle is usually made up mostly of smaller mammals, such as rabbits, squirrels, hares, prairie dogs or foxes, as well as other birds, fish or reptiles, the latter three to a lesser extent.
In times of scarcity, this bird may resort to carrion for sustenance, although it can also feed on carrion after an unsuccessful chase, since if after flying behind its prey a few hundred meters it fails to reach it, the golden eagle gives up and looks for another alternative.
To hunt its prey, the golden eagle can carry out different techniques. For example, it is common for it to chase its prey close to the ground and, when it sees the moment, attack and grab it with its strong claws. Another hunting technique is the so-called "dive hunting", where it descends rapidly to catch its prey. Although less common, there are also golden eagles that hunt in pairs, where one chases the prey to exhaustion and the other catches it. Discover all the techniques in this other article on How Eagles Hunt.
Golden Eagle Reproduction
These birds reach sexual maturity between 4 and 7 years, which is when they present their adult plumage. Golden eagles are monogamousbirds, so they keep their mate for life. In fact, eagles that do not migrate often live in pairs. Those that do migrate live alone and there are not enough studies to guarantee that they maintain the same partner during the reproductive seasons. In any case, both take care of the chicks, the construction of the nest and its maintenance.
The breeding season for migratory golden eaglesis between February and AprilTo mate, they engage in courtship in which one or both members of the pair undulate, chase, show claws, circle, and fly together. The non-migratory breed between March and August , although in this case courtship and nest building can start months earlier.
It is common for them to build several nests within their territory and even reuse nests from previous years. In general, these nests are usually found in rocky areas such as cliffs and rarely in trees. Both members of the pair participate in the construction or restoration of the nests, which are composed of branches, leaves, moss, grass or wool and have alarge size , 1.5 meters in diameter and up to 2 meters high. They normally take around 4-6 weeks to build. As a curious fact, the largest golden eagle nest found was 6 meters high and almost 3 meters in diameter.
Birth of golden eagle chicks
The clutches are usually between 1 and 4 eggs white with brownish and reddish spots, which will be cared for by the mother until they the chicks hatch after 35-45 days, although the male can also participate in the incubation at some point.
Both parents bring food to the newborns, however, most are raised by the mother. After 45 days, the chicks begin to leave the nest walking or jumping, but it is not until they are 10 weeks old that they begin to fly. They generally become independent from their parents 32-80 days after feather growth, which occurs at approximately 3 months of age.
Golden Eagle Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the golden eagle is classified as least concern and its population it is stable in most of the regions it inhabits. In 2016, the date of the last report, it was estimated that there were between 100 and 200,000 individuals worldwide. However, in some regions it is considered a threatened species and its population is decreasing, such as in Mexico and the United States.
Although its population is considered stable, the golden eagle is a protected bird that is included in the List of Wild Species in Special Protection Regime. The main threats to the species are the destruction of its habitat, poaching and climate change. Likewise, they are animals that tend to leave their nests easily if they feel intimidated or disturbed, so it is essential not to visit them during the breeding season.
