Wildlifeof China
Golden Eagle
Birds of Prey
Photo: (c) Ryan van Huyssteen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Aquila chrysaetos
Basic stats
Diet
Primarily rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots; also birds, reptiles, and fish
Habitat
Tundra, shrubland, grassland, woodland, coniferous forest, mountains, wetlands, and riparian areas
Range
Holarctic, occurring across Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America
Clutch size
1–4 eggs, usually 2
Incubation period
35–45 days, averaging 42
Size
70–84 cm
Wingspan
185–220 cm
Weight
3–6.125 kg
Golden eagles have a Holarctic distribution encompassing Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America. They occupy open and semi-open country from sea level to about 3,600 meters, including tundra, shrubland, grassland, woodland, coniferous forest, mountains, wetlands, and riparian corridors. Most occur in mountainous regions, where cliffs provide nesting sites and nearby open terrain supports hunting. Adults measure 70 to 84 centimeters long, span 185 to 220 centimeters, and weigh approximately 3 to 6.125 kilograms, with females substantially larger than males. (Animal Diversity Web)
Small mammals dominate the diet, especially rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots. Golden eagles also take birds, reptiles, fish, and occasionally larger animals. Pairs sometimes hunt cooperatively, with one eagle pursuing prey and the other making the capture. Golden eagles are monogamous and may retain the same partner and territory for years. They lay one to four eggs, usually two, in large cliff or tree nests. Incubation lasts 35 to 45 days, averaging about 42 days. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Golden Eagle eat?
- Primarily rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots; also birds, reptiles, and fish
- What habitat does the Golden Eagle live in?
- Tundra, shrubland, grassland, woodland, coniferous forest, mountains, wetlands, and riparian areas
- Where is the Golden Eagle found?
- Holarctic, occurring across Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America
- How many eggs does the Golden Eagle lay?
- 1–4 eggs, usually 2
- How long are the eggs of the Golden Eagle incubated?
- 35–45 days, averaging 42
- How big is the Golden Eagle?
- 70–84 cm
- What is the wingspan of the Golden Eagle?
- 185–220 cm
- How much does the Golden Eagle weigh?
- 3–6.125 kg