Golden Eagle

Holarctic in distribution and the most widely distributed eagle in the world, the Golden Eagle ranges across North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Adults are dark brown with a golden-bronze sheen over the nape and crown, while juveniles show white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings. A wingspan near 212 cm powers fast low-altitude hunting flights and stoops from height, chiefly after rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and marmots, with birds, reptiles, and carrion taken as well. Pairs favour open and semi-open country — mountains, hills, and tundra — nesting on cliffs or in large trees and incubating one to three eggs for 41 to 45 days; young fledge at 65 to 80 days. Largely silent, it gives only thin whistles and low barking calls near the eyrie. It is assessed as Least Concern.