Golden Eagle Bird Details
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden Eagle,Mountain Eagle;
Swarna Garuda
Carl Linnaeus in 1758
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aquila
Canada, the United States, Mexico, Russia, China, India(Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand), Mongolia, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Europe (Scotland, Norway, Sweden, and Germany).
Appearance :
The Golden Eagle is known for its majestic appearance. It has a dark brown body with a golden sheen on the back of the head and neck. The eyes are pale yellow, and the bill is dark with a yellow cere. Juveniles have white patches at the base of the tail and under the wings, which gradually disappear as they mature.
Behaviour :
Golden Eagles are typically solitary or found in monogamous pairs. Once a pair forms, they usually remain together for life. They are highly territorial, particularly during the breeding season, when they will defend their nest sites aggressively.
Habitat :
Golden Eagles prefer open or semi-open areas like mountains, hills, cliffs, and steppe regions. They require high vantage points for nesting and hunting and are often found in rugged terrains, including mountainous areas in temperate regions.
Diet :
The Golden Eagle is a carnivore and feeds on a variety of medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, marmots, and sometimes larger prey like foxes or young deer. They also hunt birds and will scavenge carrion, especially in winter.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Golden Eagles are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with populations in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are more commonly found in mountainous or hilly regions.
Population Size :
The global population of Golden Eagles is estimated to be around 300,000 to 500,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Golden Eagles have a long lifespan, typically living up to 30 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey, with a strong, muscular body covered in dark brown feathers. Its distinctive golden-brown feathers on the back of the head and neck give it its name. It has long wings and a large, rounded tail which contribute to its impressive soaring ability.
- Tarsus : The tarsus (the lower part of the leg) is about 9 cm to 10 cm long. This part of the leg is strong, covered in feathers down to the toes, and adapted to help the eagle grasp and kill prey with powerful talons.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head of the Golden Eagle is relatively large and broad, with a distinctive golden hue on the back of the neck.
- Eyes: Large, keen eyes that give the eagle excellent vision.
- Bill: The bill is large, hooked, and strong, perfectly suited for tearing into flesh. The bill is dark gray to black, with a yellow cere (the soft area at the base of the bill).
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 4 to 5 cm.
Length :
The Golden Eagle measures between 70 cm to 90 cm (27.5 to 35.5 inches) in length from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail.
Neck :
The neck is strong and muscular, supporting the eagle's large head.
Size :
The Golden Eagle is a large raptor, with a body size that can vary based on gender.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is broad and rounded, helping the eagle with steering and balance during flight, especially when gliding and hunting at high altitudes.
- Tail Length: The tail length is typically between 26 cm to 33 cm, contributing to the bird’s agility in the air.
- Feathers: The feathers of the Golden Eagle are mostly dark brown, with the iconic golden-brown feathers on the nape. Juveniles have white patches on the tail and under the wings, which disappear with age. The feathers are dense and strong, designed to withstand high-altitude conditions and cold temperatures.
Weight :
Females weigh between 4.5 to 7 kg (9.9 to 15.4 lbs). Males weigh between 3 to 5 kg (6.6 to 11 lbs).
Wing :
The wings of the Golden Eagle are long and broad, adapted for soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
The wingspan of the Golden Eagle is impressive, ranging from 180 cm to 230 cm (5.9 to 7.5 feet).
Facial Feature :
Golden Eagles have a distinctive facial appearance, with piercing yellow eyes, a prominent, strong hooked beak, and a yellow cere (the fleshy part above the beak).
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Golden Eagle builds large, sturdy nests (called aeries) in high places, typically on cliffs, rocky outcrops, or in tall trees. They tend to use the same nest year after year, refurbishing and adding materials with each season.
- Nest Made Up of: Golden Eagles construct their nests using large sticks, branches, and sometimes bones. The interior is lined with softer materials like grass, leaves, moss, and sometimes animal fur or down feathers to provide warmth and comfort for the eggs and chicks.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season for Golden Eagles generally starts in late winter to early spring (February to May).
Nesting Season :
Nesting usually occurs from March to July.
Egg Color :
Golden Eagle eggs are generally white to pale bluish-white and may be marked with light brown or reddish-brown blotches or spots.
Egg Length :
The eggs of the Golden Eagle measure about 73 mm to 88 mm (approximately 2.9 to 3.5 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The eggs are around 55 mm to 63 mm (approximately 2.2 to 2.5 inches) in width.
- Egg Weight: A Golden Eagle egg typically weighs between 130 to 160 grams
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size for Golden Eagles is 1 to 3 eggs. In most cases, 2 eggs are laid.
No. of Broods :
Golden Eagles typically raise one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 40 to 45 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 65 to 80 days before they fledge.
Vocalization :
Golden Eagles are generally silent, but they can produce high-pitched whistles or chirps. The most common call is a weak, shrill scream.
Sex Demorphism :
Females being larger than males.
Migration Details :
Migration Pattern: The migration behavior of Golden Eagles depends on their geographic location. Northern populations (particularly those in Canada and northern Europe) are migratory, while southern populations tend to be resident year-round. Migratory populations travel long distances to avoid harsh winters.
Migration Period: Migration typically occurs between October and December for southward journeys and between March and May for the return to breeding areas. The exact timing depends on the region and weather conditions.
Migration Route: Migrating Golden Eagles from northern latitudes often travel along mountain ranges, such as the Appalachians in North America or the Alps in Europe. They tend to avoid crossing large bodies of water, preferring land routes where they can take advantage of thermal currents. These eagles migrate to southern Europe, Central Asia, or North Africa in winter, while some populations from North America migrate to Mexico.
