Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), is one of the most well-know birds of prey north of the equator. Its body is around three feet long with a wingspan that sometimes reaches more than seven feet. The Golden Eagle can weight anywhere between six and sixteen pounds.¹ It has dark brown plumage with a golden crown and nape.

Fast Facts

1. Length: 3 feet
2. Wingspan: 7 feet²
3. Weight: 6-16 pounds³
4. Lifespan: around 30 years⁴
5. Food: live mammals such as ground squirrels and rabbits
6. Golden eagles have been protected in the United States since 1963⁵

Mating

Golden Eagles mate for life and will defend their large territory against other eagles to protect their eggs and young. The male and female build the nest together, usually on a cliff ledge with a protective overhang, but sometimes in a tree. The nest is built from large branches and sticks and is often lined with pungent leaves to deter insects and other small pests. The nest can sometimes become very large as the pair will often return to their regular haunt year after year, adding to it each time.

Nesting

Golden Eagles lay 1 or 2 eggs per clutch, which will hatch after 34-45 days incubation period.⁶ The Eaglets fledge within 75 days.⁷ The male and female share incubation but the male is the major food provider during incubation and rearing. Young eagles reach maturity around five years of age.

Related Pages on Mahalo

Bird Watching | Bird Food | Birds of Prey | Eagles | Bird Feeder

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