The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a widely distributed bird of prey found in the Northern Hemisphere, belonging to the family Accipitridae. These dark brown birds have lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes and distinctive white markings on the tails and wings of immature eagles.
Golden eagles are agile hunters, preying mainly on hares, rabbits, and ground squirrels. They maintain large home ranges, up to 200 km² (77 sq mi), and build sizable nests in cliffs or high places, often returning to them for several years.
Breeding occurs in the spring, with monogamous pairs typically laying up to four eggs and incubating them for about six weeks. One or two chicks usually fledge after three months and become independent in the fall, establishing their own territories within four to five years.
While once widespread across the Holarctic, golden eagles have declined in some heavily populated areas, yet they remain present in significant regions of Eurasia, North America, and parts of North Africa. Known for their hunting prowess, they have been highly valued in falconry and are regarded with reverence in various cultures. The species is also extensively studied in regions like the Western United States and the Western Palearctic.
