golden eagle

1. English Bird Name: Golden Eagle
Scientific (Latin) Name: Aquila chrysaetos

2. Appearance: The majestic Golden Eagle is named for the shimmering golden-brown feathers that adorn its head and neck. Its body and wings are dark brown with lighter golden hues, and its tail is characterized by distinct grey bands. The beak is strong, hooked, and dark in color, well-designed to rip into prey. Its eyes are a striking amber-brown color. Males and females share the same coloration, but females are generally larger than males.

3. Size: The average length of a Golden Eagle ranges between 66 to 102 cm (26 to 40 inches). Their wingspan is impressive, reaching 1.8 to 2.34 meters (5.9 to 7.7 feet). They typically weigh between 3 to 6.35 kg (6.6 to 14 pounds).

4. Habitat and Distribution: Golden Eagles are found across the continents of North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They prefer a variety of habitats, including grasslands, mountains, forests, and deserts. They are commonly found in remote, open spaces where they can use their keen eyesight to hunt for prey.

5. Interesting Facts: Golden Eagles are known for their remarkable speed and agility, reaching speeds up to 200 mph when diving to capture prey. These birds mate for life and build large nests in high cliffs or trees. Culturally, Golden Eagles are known as the national bird of Albania, Germany, Austria, and Mexico, symbolizing strength, grace, and resilience.

6. Diet: Golden Eagles are top predators, feeding mainly on small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and marmots. They also take down larger prey, such as foxes and young deer, and return to carrion (dead animal carcasses) when other food resources are scarce.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Golden Eagles are solitary birds, known for their silent, soaring flights. Their nests, called eyries, are built high off the ground and used for multiple seasons. Their call is a high-pitched whistling or yelping, usually heard when they feel threatened or during courtship rituals.

8. Conservation Status: The conservation status of Golden Eagle is “Least Concern” according to the IUCN Red List, although populations in some regions face pressures from habitat loss and accidental poisoning.

9. Lifespan: Golden Eagles have a long lifespan, living up to 30 years in the wild and up to 50 years in captivity.

10. Additional Notes: In the Kazakh and Kyrgyz traditions, Golden Eagles have been used in hunting, a practice known as falconry. These eagles play vital roles in their ecosystems, controlling populations of small mammals. They also have a positive impact on human culture. In Native American symbolism, the Golden Eagle is revered as a messenger from the gods.