Golden Eagle

The golden eagle (or Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most widespread birds of prey, ranging across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It favours open or semi-open habitats such as mountains, grasslands, tundra, and deserts, often nesting on cliffs or tall trees that provide wide views of its hunting grounds. Golden eagles have dark brown plumage accented by golden feathers on the nape and crown, powerful talons, and a sharp, hooked beak. They have a wingspan between 1.8m and 2.3m and a body length of 70cm to 100cm. Like in most raptors, females are slightly larger and heavier than males. Adult males generally weigh between 3kg and 5kg, while females weigh 4kg to 6.5kg.

While considered to be of Least Concern, the golden eagle is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to land conversion for agricultural, forestry, urban and infrastructure use. This limits their ability to hunt, find mates, and nest. In some areas, they are also directly persecuted by shooting, trapping and poisoning. Secondary lead poisoning from eating carcasses containing ammunition is also a threat. They are also at risk from collision and electrocution by power lines or wind turbines. Climate change additionally alters prey and habitat availability. Many efforts go into recovery help and better habitat protection. In the UK, juvenile and sub-adult golden eagles have been translocated to improve the population in Southern Scotland, with considerable success. Legal protection is also strong in many countries, making it illegal to harm or disturb the birds and their nests. Moreover, habitat restoration and land management practices are improved in many places to reduce human‐caused mortality and enhance habitat connectivity.