Golden Eagles
Gold glints in the sunlight
At first glance, golden eagles may look dark brown in colour, but their name comes from the striking tawny feathers on their heads and necks. Belonging to both the hawk and eagle family, this large bird of prey has a wingspan that can reach over two metres, and when diving or hunting, they can reach speeds of 320 kilometres per hour. Like all eagles, this raptor is known for their incredible eyesight, with keen colour vision that helps them spot prey from great distances.
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction)
- Type: Bird
- Habitat: Open areas around mountains and plateaus across the northern hemisphere
- Diet: Carnivore – marmots, mice, and hares
- Size: 75 to 90 centimetres in length; wingspan 190 to 227 centimetres
- Weight: Females can be up to 6.7 kilograms, males can be up to 4.6 kilograms
facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Golden Eagles
In winter and early spring, this species defends their territory with what is known as a “sky dance”.
Adult females are larger than adult males.
They can rotate their heads 270 degrees like an owl.
Golden eagles range from sea level to mountains as high as the Alps and Himalayas.
They ride thermal updrafts to save energy when traveling.
Golden eagles living in North America and Asia migrate south during winter.
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