by Gemma Wiseman

Created on: February 13, 2008   Last Updated: February 09, 2010

The golden eagle is a large, dark brown bird of prey more widely distributed than any other eagle. It is found in parts of North America including Alaska, but extending in habitat pockets as far south as Mexico. It is also found in Europe, the highlands of Scotland, parts of Asia and North Africa.

Ireland is endeavouring to re-introduce this bird, using eaglets from Scotland and releasing them in Glenveagh National Park. The golden eagle has not been in Ireland for about 100 years. As the golden eagle tends to favor remote areas, detailed studies are still being documented world-wide, highlighting some regional differences.

Description
The adult golden eagle has a wing span of about 2m, a body length of about .92m and weighs about 7kg. The feathers are generally dark brown, but there is a golden, tawny sheen on the back of the head. It has a large, hooked bill, broad wings and tail. There is a little white at the base of the tale. The bill and talons are black but the feet are yellow. Like the rough-legged hawk and the ferruginous hawk, the golden eagle's legs are feathered right to the toes. (They are the only American hawks like this.) Females and males generally look similar in color, but usually the female is larger than the male. Their lifespan is approximately 15-20 years, but there are some records of golden eagles in captivity living up to 40 years. Golden eagles usually mate for life.

Habitat
The golden eagles prefer mountain areas with craggy cliffs or prairie terrain; anywhere that is rugged and remote. They build nests on the cliffs, but have been known to build nests in trees, and, in Alaska, golden eagle nests have been found on the open tundra. In the UK, they also favor open moorlands, islands and remote glens. Their nesting territory is usually their living territory, but that may include multiple nests. "Though nesting territories may be occupied yearly, there are generally several nest sites in the area that are used on different years. These nests may be over 0.5 miles apart. Alternate nests range from 1 to 11 per territory." www.desertusa.com The golden eagle defends its territory by executing a series of "dive-bombing" flights. Only in times of food shortage in the home territory do these eagles migrate. In Scotland, territories range in size from 5-150sq.km. "In some areas of Scotland, the breeding density is among the highest in the world and territories are very small." www.forestry.gov.uk

Food
In America, their diet includes "Groundhogs,

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