Golden Eagle
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Aquila chyrsaetos
The golden eagle requires more than three years to attain its chocolate brown plumage with dark tail and full dark gold cape on the hindneck. An immature eagle may be somewhat darker than an adult and with one-half or more of the tail white above a terminal dark bar. The legs are feathered to the toe, unlike the bald eagle which has feathers only half-way down the legs. The golden eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.3 m (7.5 ft.) and may weigh as much as 6.5 kg (14 lb.). It is about 90 cm (35 in.) long.
The range of the golden eagle includes the greater part of the northern hemisphere, particularly the western mountain areas. During the winter this eagle travels long distances in search of prey, but summer territory is usually well defined. In Alberta, it nests on cliffs along prairie rivers, in the montane and foothill zones and a portion of the mixedwood and lowland zones of northern Alberta. In winter it is a frequent resident of the prairies. In migration it can be seen throughout the province.
The usual nesting site is a ledge or cavity high on a rock cliff. The nest, built from stout twigs and lined with soft materials, is often used through many successive seasons. One to 3 chalky-white eggs marked with brown splotches are laid.
The chief summer food is the hoary marmot of the mountains and foothills, but other rodents and occasionally birds may also be taken. Throughout the rest of its range, rabbits are the primary prey of this species. However, the golden eagle will eat carrion.
