Golden eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

A large eagle of northern mountains and open wildlands, using broad wings to soar and hunt mammals and birds.

Key facts

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae.
Primary habitats are mountains · grassland · forest · desert, with a range across Nearctic · Palearctic · Indomalayan · Afrotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
A large eagle of northern mountains and open wildlands, using broad wings to soar and hunt mammals and birds.
Found in mountains, cliffs, grassland, semi-desert, and open forest where nesting ledges or large trees overlook hunting grounds.

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Found in mountains, cliffs, grassland, semi-desert, and open forest where nesting ledges or large trees overlook hunting grounds.

Plumage is dark brown with golden feathers on the nape. The wings are long and broad, and juveniles show white patches in wings and tail.

Pairs or solitary birds hold large territories. They soar high, then stoop or fly low to take prey.

Hares, ground squirrels, marmots, birds, and carrion are eaten, with main prey varying strongly by region.

Large stick nests are built on cliffs or big trees and reused for years. Chicks need a long period of care before fledging.

Globally low-risk, but lead poisoning, electrocution, turbine collision, and persecution affect some local populations.