Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
Habitat
Large birds that hunt from the air, golden eagles prefer wide-open spaces, especially hilly or mountainous regions. In the United States, golden eagles are primarily found in the northern and western states, often in dry areas. They are seen throughout the year in Washington state, but are more common in eastern Washington.
Physical Characteristics
Golden eagles are one of the largest raptors. They are 30-40 inches (77-102 cm) in length, have wingspans of 6 to 7 feet (1.8-2.1 m) and weigh 6 to 14 pounds (2.7-6.3 kg). As with most raptors, female golden eagles are larger than males. Golden eagles are primarily dark brown, but get their name from their golden nape. The nape varies in color from a straw yellow to a dark golden hue.
Life Span
A banded golden eagle lived about 17 years in the wild. The maximum recorded age for a captive golden eagle is 46 years.
Diet
In the wild: Golden eagles prey mainly on mammals such as jack rabbits, ground squirrels and marmots. They also scavenge the remains of larger animals, such as deer. Other prey include young foxes, mink, lizards, snakes and game birds, such as grouse and ptarmigan. Most prey are caught on the ground, but golden eagles sometimes catch birds in midair.
Reproduction
Golden eagles are, for the most part, silent. During the mating season, however, they emit a mewing cry during courtship flight. Golden eagles may or may not use the same nest from the previous year. Nests are large, averaging 5 to 6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) wide and about 3 feet (.9 m) deep. The majority of nests are built on cliffs, or occasionally in trees. A clutch of one to four (normally two) eggs are laid. The female usually incubates the eggs, but at times the male assumes this duty in addition to providing most of the food. Incubation lasts about 45 days, and the young often hatch several days apart.
Life Cycle
The young fledglings take their first flight 65-70 days after hatching. The parents continue to feed and protect the young birds for another month or longer, while they gain flying and hunting skills. Although young birds know instinctively how to hunt, lack of experience and skill means they often cannot catch enough prey to survive. Starvation, disease, bad weather and accidents, often due to human interference, mean that many young eagles do not survive their first year. Many eagles residing in Canada and Alaska migrate south in the fall as food becomes more scarce. Some eagles, however, remain in their northern ranges throughout the year.
Bird of Legend
For centuries, the golden eagle has represented a symbol of power, courage and supernatural properties. In Rome, the golden eagle was associated with the powerful god, Jupiter. The emblem of the golden eagle was carried by Roman legions and the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte as they marched to war. Natives of North America also revere the golden eagle.
Indians sought after the golden eagle to use for ceremonial purposes. Feathers from the eagle adorn elaborate warbonnets and other clothing. Eagle feathers are also worn in the hair, their placement an indication of the social status of the wearer. The golden eagle was also honored in the Eagle Dance, which was performed in honor of recently deceased chiefs or other persons of social status.
Location at the Zoo
We no longer exhibit golden eagles. Woodland Park Zoo does have a variety of raptors on exhibit in our Raptor Center, as well as bald eagles in the Northern Trail and great gray owls near Bug World.
Conservaton Connection
Golden eagles were once widespread throughout the Great Plains of the United States. Their numbers declined earlier in the century due to shooting, trapping and poisoning by farmers, who believed golden eagles killed farm animals and poultry. Documented as a declining species, golden eagles have been protected by law in the United States since 1962. It is illegal to possess a golden eagle or any part of a specimen without a federal permit.
Many raptor species are in danger. Human-caused changes in land use are escalating, and this affects the habitats and migratory corridors required by some raptors for survival. Conversion of golden eagles' sagebrush, benchgrass and foraging habitats to agriculture continue to reduce their numbers.
Critical shoreline and riparian zone habitats are rapidly converted by expanding human communities. Shooting and trapping are also lowering raptor numbers. It's only a matter of time until more raptor species may face extinction, unless we take measures to protect their habitats.
Humans need raptors. Here are only a few of the benefits raptors provide:
- Raptors help keep animal populations in balance.
- Raptors consume many animals that humans consider as pests, including mice, rats and destructive species of insects. This helps to control disease and damage to crops.
- As top predators of their food chain, raptors are an indicator species of the overall health of the ecosystem in which they live.
- Of equal importance, witnessing wild raptors enriches each of our lives. Imagine what life would be like if we could no longer gaze upon the grandeur of raptors soaring high above.
How You Can Help!
Efforts to save threatened and endangered raptors require cooperation and support at international, national, regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Join and become active in Woodland Park Zoo and other conservation organizations of your choice. Recycle forest products. Eliminate or reduce pesticide use. Support breeding programs for endangered birds of prey at zoos and other animal care organizations. Let your elected representatives know your views about the conservation of migratory birds and their wild habitats.
Contact Woodland Park Zoo at webkeeper@zoo.org to find ways you can support conservation programs at the zoo. Discover more about raptors by calling the Peregrine Fund (208) 362-3716.
Sources and Suggested Reading
Johnsgard, Paul A. 1990. Hawks, Eagles, and Falcons of North America. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 403 p.
Weidensaul, Scott. 1996. Raptors: The Birds of Prey. Lyons and Burford, Publishers, New York, NY. 382 p.
For Kids!
Gieck, Charlene. 1991. Eagles for Kids. NorthWord Press, Minocqua, WI. 48 p.
Zoobooks. 1986. Birds of Prey. Wildlife Education, Ltd., San Diego, CA. 16 p.