Golden eagle Facts

About the golden eagle

No eagle species spreads more widely. Golden eagles live across large parts of North America and Eurasia, plus some of North Africa, though they have vanished from many crowded human areas. They hunt with speed, agility, powerful feet and sharp talons, taking mostly hares, rabbits, marmots and ground squirrels. A home range can cover as much as 200 km2 (77 sq mi). Young birds often show white on the tail and wings.

Pairs are monogamous and may stay together for years, maybe for life. They build big nests on cliffs and other high spots and may reuse them for several breeding seasons, mostly in spring. A female lays up to four eggs and incubates them for six weeks, and usually one or two chicks fledge in about three months. Juveniles become independent in the fall, then wander until they claim a territory four to five years later.

Did you know?

• The golden eagle's scientific name is Aquila chrysaetos.
• It belongs to Accipitridae, the same family as every other eagle.
• The IUCN lists the golden eagle as Least Concern.