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So, I had started a Bird a Week, with the Golden Eagle.
Here is some info on the Golden Eagle. Have you had the opportunity to see one? I believe I have seen 2 so far in my lifetime.
Golden Eagles are big, beautiful brownish birds.
Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos (AK-qui-lah kris-AY-ee-tos)
These birds are pretty common throughout the northern hemisphere, although from what I have seen/heard, not seen too often. Native Americans regard seeing the large raptors in the wild as a very spirtual thing.
These are pretty large birds. The are approximately 3ft tall (L). They can weigh up to 15lbs (7kg), with a wingspan of up to 7ft. - That's a wide span!
Adults have are a brown color, with a lighter brownish color on the back of the head/neck area. The sexes look very similar, except the female is somewhat bigger than the male. Juvenile Golden Eagles have white patches at the base of their primary feathers, with white tail feathers with a distinct dark terminal band. It takes four years for them to acquire their adult plumage (feathering). Their talons are black.
The Golden Eagle is Mexico's national bird.
The Golden Eagle live 15 to 20 yrs in the wild.
Golden Eagles are solitary birds, that can be found in remote areas. They are the most widely distributed eagle, which can be found in Europe, North Africa & Asia, in addition to North America.
They are great hunters, very seldom eating carrion (dead meat). They can have a hunting range of about 162 sq. mi. (260 sq. km.). Their diet does include a variety of animals, such as, groundhogs, marmots, foxes, skunks, cats, rabbits, grouse, ground squirrels, crows, pheasants, meadowlarks, tortoises, and snakes.
Golden Eagles mate when they are around 4 yrs of age. They usually stay paired for life. Usually, they next in rocky areas - such as rocky crags or cliff faces. Occassionally, a tree is used to make a nest in. The couple will usually return to the same next each year.
Females lay 1 to 3 eggs, only 1 time a year. The males usually do not help incubate the eggs, but will bring food to the nesting female. Eggs are incubated for 41 to 45 days. Eggs are laid between February & May, or in the Artic, between May & June. Both male & female will share the work of raising the young. The young may commit siblicide.
The young only weigh around 3oz upon hatching. They remain in the nest for 9-11 weeks, before fledging. Parents will care for the young approximately another 3 mos after fledging from the nest.
Many Golden Eagles remain in their home territory their whole life & seldom migrate. When they do leave their home territory, they seldom go far.
Golden Eagles were lucky enough to escape the DDT problems that nearly wiped out the Bald Eagles. This is because the Golden Eagles eat mainly grass-eating mammals, and not fish. However, they have faced many other problems, such as, intentional poisoning, shooting & trapping, in spite of the laws there to protect them. This even continues today. There is some belief that this goes on because of ignorance in believing there is a threat to livestock. That is why it is important to help educate people on wildlife, and things they can do humanly, or safely to keep wildlife out they do not want in/near their homes/yards. It also can be to sell the feathers.
Golden Eagles are protected in the US. Possession of feathers (even 1) or body parts carries a severe penalty. It is also a FELONY. You can be fined $10,000 and/or 10 years in prison. Recognized Native Americans can have the feathers legally. There are special licenses they can obtain to have feathers of raptors.
Visit Golden Eagle sites:
Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle
American Golden Eagle
Carolina Raptor Center - Raptor Species - Golden Eagle
NCA - Golden Eagle
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