Golden Eagle

General

Wild Population: 85,000 - 160,00

The golden eagle (or Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most widespread birds of prey, ranging across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It favours open or semi-open habitats such as mountains, grasslands, tundra, and deserts, often nesting on cliffs or tall trees that provide wide views of its hunting grounds.

Golden eagles have dark brown plumage accented by golden feathers on the nape and crown, powerful talons, and a sharp, hooked beak.

They have a wingspan between 1.8m and 2.3m and a body length of 70cm to 100cm. Like in most raptors, females are slightly larger and heavier than males. Adult males generally weigh between 3kg and 5kg, while females weigh 4kg to 6.5kg.

Conservation Status

While considered to be of Least Concern, the golden eagle is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to land conversion for agricultural, forestry, urban and infrastructure use. This limits their ability to hunt, find mates, and nest. In some areas, they are also directly persecuted by shooting, trapping and poisoning. Secondary lead poisoning from eating carcasses containing ammunition is also a threat. They are also at risk from collision and electrocution by power lines or wind turbines. Climate change additionally alters prey and habitat availability.

Many efforts go into recovery help and better habitat protection. In the UK, juvenile and sub-adult golden eagles have been translocated to improve the population in Southern Scotland, with considerable success. Legal protection is also strong in many countries, making it illegal to harm or disturb the birds and their nests. Moreover, habitat restoration and land management practices are improved in many places to reduce human‐caused mortality and enhance habitat connectivity.

Social & Reproduction

Golden eagles are generally solitary or live in pairs, and most of their interactions are limited to mating and raising young. Adults strongly defend large territories against other golden eagles, especially during the breeding season.

Golden eagles form long-term, often lifelong, monogamous pair bonds. Courtship usually takes place in late winter to early spring and includes synchronised soaring, circling, and aerial dives. Both new and existing pairs perform these displays to create or reaffirm their bond. Together, a pair builds or refurbishes their nest, or eyrie, on a cliff, tall tree or other tall vantage points.

After mating, the female typically lays 1 to 4 eggs, though two is most common, and she incubates them for about 40 to 45 days while the male provides food. Hatchlings are covered in white down and grow quickly, though competition between siblings can be intense, often leading to the survival of only 1 or 2 chicks. The young fledge at around 10 to 12 weeks of age, but may remain dependent on the parents for food and protection for several more months, before finally dispersing.

Golden eagles reach maturity at about 4 to 5 years old, at which point they establish their own territories and search for a mate of their own.