Golden Eagle Facts And Feeding Information

Golden Eagle

Golden eagle known as the "King of Birds" is the most widely distributed species of eagle and one of the best known bird of prey.It has a dark brown plumage with light golden color on the napes.

Facts:
Weight:                        Male 6.5– 11 lbs.; female 9–15 lbs.
Length Head/Body Tail:           2.5–3' 10–14"
Wingspan:                    6.5–7'
Sexual Maturity:          4–5 years             
Breeding Season:         February–July               
Number of eggs:           Usually 2, but rarely 1 or 3          
Incubation Period:       42–45 days    
Fledging Period:           65–70 days
Breeding interval:        1 year
Typical diet:                 Mammals, birds, lizards, carrion
Lifespan:                      Up to 25 years

Habitat:

It favors open and mostly mountainous habitat avoids densely forested regions.

Breeding:

Nest sites are called eyries, on tree tops or on cliff ledges. Within a territory a pair of golden eagle may have up to a dozen eyries. Female lays usually two eggs but sometimes 1 or 3.When hatching takes place male brings food to the nest. 

Food and Hunting:

Its diet varies with the region but its common prey is small to medium sized mammals and birds such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrel, partridges and pheasants.Prey once spotted during its flight it glides in high speed and catches its prey in powerful talons, sharp claws swiftly kills the victim.