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about killing some 20-40,000 eagles. Despite this earnest slaughter, the golden eagle is generally not considered an endangered animal; in fact she is probably the most numerable eagle of her size in the world. Life expectancy in the wild is about 10 years, though in captivity they have lived to 46. Golden eagles begin mating at 4 years, and remain with the same mate for life. They build permanent nests which can be 8 feet in diameter in rocky, mountainous areas. The female is lumbered with doing most of the egg incubation, which lasts for 30 40 days. In terms of sibling affection, young golden eagles are hardly the Brady Bunch; the elders kill young chicks while being watched unobtrusively by their parents. Fledglings will take their first flight from the nest 65-70 days after hatching.

Characterized by her golden hackle feathers, a gray beak with yellow cere, huge talons and a wingspan reaching almost 8 feet, the golden eagle is, of course, a spectacular creature. She is the national bird of Mexico, appearing on the flag and coat of arms. She was used as a symbol on the standards of Roman legions. She has greatly impacted the human psyche, in which she is associated with ideals of courage, fidelity, and ferocity. Few people are lucky enough to see them in the wild, but those who do will never forget witnessing such a formidable embodiment of beauty and power.

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