Golden eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a bird of prey living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Family: Accipitridae Order: Accipitriformes Conservation: Least Concern
Golden eagle

About the Golden eagle

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a bird of prey living in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the most widely distributed species of eagle. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. They are one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes. Immature eagles of this species typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings. Golden eagles use their agility and speed combined with powerful feet and large, sharp talons to hunt a variety of prey, mainly hares, rabbits, and marmots and other ground squirrels. Golden eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km2 (77 sq mi). They build large nests in cliffs and other high places to which

Fun Facts About Golden eagle

  • It is the largest and least populous of the five species of true accipitrid to occur as a breeding species in both the Palearctic and the Nearctic.
  • They build large nests in cliffs and other high places to which they may return for several breeding years.
  • These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes.
  • Most breeding activities take place in the spring; they are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life.
  • Golden eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km2 (77 sq mi).

Conservation Status

The Golden eagle is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyAccipitridae
GenusAquila
SpeciesAquila chrysaetos

Range & Habitat

Range map of Golden eagle

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Related Species

Other species in the Accipitridae family: