The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most majestic birds of prey, renowned for its remarkable hunting prowess and impressive physical attributes. With a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) and weights ranging up to 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms), this raptor is equipped for powerful flight and agile maneuvers.
Its dark brown feathers with golden highlights on the nape give it a distinctive and regal appearance. Golden eagles are highly skilled hunters, capable of reaching speeds up to 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour) during their characteristic stooping dives to capture prey.
These birds of prey can take down animals larger than themselves, including deer and mountain goats. They use their sharp talons to grasp and kill their prey. The golden eagle possesses an incredibly powerful grip, with a crushing force estimated to be around 750 pounds per square inch (psi).
Their diet is diverse, including mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and even larger animals like deer and mountain goats. These birds have exceptional eyesight, estimated to be eight times sharper than that of humans, allowing them to spot potential prey from great distances.
Golden eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. Golden eagles build substantial nests, or eyries, on cliffs or in tall trees, which they often reuse and expand over many years.
These eagles are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds and jointly caring for their offspring.
Found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia, golden eagles inhabit diverse landscapes, from mountains and deserts to grasslands and tundra.