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But the main reason for their decline in numbers is loss of habitat. Others are caught in traps set for other wildlife or are poisoned by tainted bait or lead shot buried in their prey. Dozens of eagles are killed each year when they land on exposed power lines or attempt to fly through wind farms. And their propensity to seek out strong winds can bring the birds into proximity with wind farms. Unfortunately, many golden eagles are still killed by ranchers or others for their feathers. In 1962, golden eagles became federally protected birds.

Instead, it was found that rabbits were the eagles' main food source. Yet studies showed there was no evidence that the eagles attacked sheep or other livestock. In past years, ranchers killed thousands of golden eagles, thinking the birds preyed on young sheep and goats. Eagle chicks are not so lucky, as wolverines and grizzly bears may prey on them.

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Golden eagles don't reach their full adult plumage until they are five years old.Īdult golden eagles have little to fear from natural predators, although crows, jays, and other raptors often harass them.

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They have a white-banded tail and white patch on each wing that gradually disappears with every molt. Eaglets look like the adults but have a duller, more mottled appearance. Usually only one, the older chick, graduates out of the nest. Then, it's time for the eaglets to attempt their first flight and eat on their own. The mother feeds the eaglets for about 50 days. The oldest chick often attacks and sometimes even kills its younger sibling. The chicks, called eaglets, hatch in the order laid. The female lays two eggs a few days apart between January and May, depending on the habitat. The eagles add more material to the nest each year, so it gets bigger and bigger. Each nest is made out of heavy tree branches and grass, and built on a cliff face or in a tree. He folds his wings and drops headfirst until close to the ground, when he spreads his wings to soar aloft and repeat the action.Ī golden eagle pair stays together for life, building several nests in their territory over the years. The male often puts on an aerial display as part of his courtship. Chicks make high-pitched begging calls to their parents. Other calls made by golden eagles include a chirp, cluck, honk, and hiss. But during mating and nesting season, they make a shrill, high-pitched note repeated over and over. Golden eagles are much more aggressive than bald eagles. Youngsters often play dive with each other.īreeding pairs maintain territories of 2,800 to 4,900 acres (1,100 to 2,000 hectares) and may attack eagle intruders by diving at them or locking talons. Golden eagles play with stones, drop and re-catch sticks, and chase horse colts and cattle calves. Immature birds often hang out with each other in winter, and fledgling pairs may preen each other. Life on the fly: Golden eagles are somewhat solitary birds, but they may bathe in small groups or roost together in cold weather. Golden eagle chicks, called eaglets, hatch in the order laid. After a successful hunt and meal, the golden eagle can go for several days before its next meal.Īt the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the golden eagle eats a fortified meat-based commercial carnivore diet, thawed mice, rats, and an occasional rabbit or trout. They may also eat carrion if live prey is scarce. Prey includes marmots, hares, mice, and sometimes slow-flying birds, martens, foxes, and even deer. The talons on their feet kill and carry the prey, while the beak is only for eating. They often work in pairs while hunting: one eagle drives the prey to its waiting partner. Golden eagles living in the northern parts of North America and Asia migrate south in winter. These help them gain elevation without expending much flying effort. They often use mountain ridges to ride the thermal updrafts that sweep up from the valleys and deserts below. Golden eagles can fly hundreds of miles while foraging for their food. They range from sea level to high mountains such as the Alps and the Himalayas. Yet they are also found in prairie, scrubland, desert, and tundra habitats. Oh, give me a home: Golden eagles need the open space of mountains, plateaus, and steppes. The golden eagle's habitat includes the wide-open spaces of high mountain areas.