Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

Wingspan

190–230cm

Body length

75–90cm

Weight

2,900–4,600g

Profile

Life expectancy
Clutch size: Usually 2 eggs
Global status
Activity
Migration
Falconry

Identification

Broad, clearly fingered wings and a relatively long tail characterise this large eagle. Golden-brown nape feathers are visible at close range. Juveniles often show conspicuous white patches in the wings and tail.

Colours

Plumage

Eyes

Legs & feet

Adult

Dark brown plumage with a golden-brown nape. The sexes differ mainly in size; females are usually more powerful.

Behaviour

Over its territory it uses updrafts for sustained soaring. In courtship, steep dives alternate with renewed climbs. Pairs can fly together and sometimes cooperate when hunting.

Breeding & rearing

Cliffs, locally also large trees, carry the bulky nests. A pair may use several nests in turn and add to them over the years. The young spend many weeks in the nest before their first flight.

Diet

Prey examples

Hares

Marmots

Chamois kidsregional

It hunts mainly mammals such as hares and marmots, and regionally often chamois kids. Roe deer fawns, foxes and birds are also part of its prey spectrum; in winter carrion is important.