Golden Eagles

Basic Information and Classification

The Golden Eagle’s scientific name is Aquila chrysaetos, which means “golden eagle” in Latin and Greek!

Golden Eagles belong to the family Accipitridae, which includes other magnificent birds like hawks and kites!

A group of Golden Eagles is called a “convocation”!

Golden Eagles can be found across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa!

Most Golden Eagles live for about 30 years in the wild, but some have lived up to 45 years in captivity!

Adult Golden Eagles are referred to as “females,” and “males” and their babies are called “eaglets”!

Adult Golden Eagles can weigh between 6.2 and 9.9 pounds (2.8 to 4.5 kilograms)!

A Golden Eagle’s wingspan can reach up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters)!

Golden Eagles can fly at heights of up to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)!

Golden Eagles are considered one of the most skilled flying predators in the bird world!

Physical Characteristics

Golden Eagles get their name from the golden-brown feathers on the back of their head and neck!

An adult Golden Eagle’s eyes are about the same size as human eyes, but they can see up to eight times farther!

A Golden Eagle’s talons (claws) can be up to 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) long!

Golden Eagle feathers are waterproof and help them stay warm in freezing temperatures!

Golden Eagles have special bumps on the bottom of their feet called “spicules” that help them grip prey.

Golden Eagles have about 7,000 feathers covering their entire body!

A Golden Eagle’s feet can exert 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of pressure per square inch!

A Golden Eagle’s bones are hollow and make up only 5-10% of their total body weight!

Flight and Movement

Golden Eagles can fly at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) when diving!

Golden Eagles can soar for hours using warm air currents called thermals!

Golden Eagles can turn their heads 270 degrees to look around them!

A Golden Eagle’s wing bones are incredibly strong but lightweight thanks to their hollow structure!

Golden Eagles use the sun’s position to navigate during migration!

Hunting and Diet

Golden Eagles can eat up to 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) of food per day!

Golden Eagles primarily hunt rabbits, hares, and ground squirrels!

Golden Eagles can carry prey weighing up to 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) in flight.

Golden Eagles can spot a rabbit from 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 kilometers) away!

Golden Eagles have a special third eyelid that protects their eyes while hunting!

Golden Eagles sometimes hunt in pairs to catch larger prey!

Golden Eagles can go several days without eating after a large meal!

Nesting and Territory

A single Golden Eagle territory can cover up to 60 square miles (155 square kilometers)!

Golden Eagles often build several nests within their territory!

Most Golden Eagle pairs return to the same breeding territory year after year!

Some Golden Eagle nests have been used by generations of eagles for over 100 years!

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Golden Eagle eggs are about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) long!

Golden Eagle eggs typically take about 41 to 45 days to hatch.

Golden Eagle chicks, known as eaglets, are born covered in fluffy white down feathers.

Young Golden Eagles learn to fly when they’re about 10–12 weeks old!

Golden Eagles typically don’t breed until they’re 4–7 years old!

Only about 50% of Golden Eagle chicks survive their first year!

Golden Eagles usually mate for life!

Golden Eagle parents take turns keeping their eggs warm and safe.

After young Golden Eagles learn to fly, they usually stay with their parents for about 4 to 6 weeks.

Behavior and Intelligence

Golden Eagles can use tools like sticks to build their nests!

Golden Eagles perform amazing aerial courtship displays, commonly referred to as “sky-dancing.”

Golden Eagles spend about 85% of their day perched, conserving energy!

Golden Eagles are most active during dawn and dusk!

Golden Eagles can recognize individual humans who regularly visit their territory!

Golden Eagles can remember the locations of good hunting spots for years!

Golden Eagles sometimes steal prey from other birds, a behavior called kleptoparasitism!