Golden eagle
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the best-known birds of prey in the northern hemisphere. It is the most widely distributed species of eagle. Golden eagles use their agility and speed combined with powerful feet and massive, sharp talons to snatch up prey. They eat hares, rabbits, marmots and other ground squirrels.
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| File:Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) (W1CDR0001387 BD6).ogg | |
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| Aquila chrysaetos Linnaeus, 1758
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| File:Aquila chrysaetos distribution map.png | |
| Light green = Breeding only Blue = Wintering only Dark green = All-year | |
Once common across the Holarctic, it has gone from many areas heavily populated by humans. The species is still widespread. It lives in Eurasia, North America, and parts of North Africa.
Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is one of the largest birds of prey in North America; only the California condor gets larger. Golden eagles also live in the Scottish Highlands.
Golden Eagle Media
- Maakotka (Aquila chrysaetos) by Jarkko Järvinen (crop).jpg
Wintering eagle of the nominate subspecies in Finland
- Golden Eagle RWD2.jpg
A captive Aquila chrysaetos canadensis shows the typical rusty coloration of the subspecies.
- Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri MHNT.ZOO.2010.11.88.1.jpg
Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri – MHNT
- Orel skalní 2.jpg
Subadult, showing white in tail and dark neck
- GoldenEagle-Nova.jpg
Captive adult of the North American subspecies Aquila chrysaetos canadensis
- Golden Eagle.jpg
Golden eagles are often silent.
- Golden Eagle in flight - 5.jpg
Captive Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) in flight in the United Kingdom
- Golden Eagle flying.jpg
Golden eagle flying in dihedral with food
- Aquila chrysaetos Flickr.jpg
Golden eagles are readily distinguished by their brown plumage, paler than most other Aquila, and pale nape patch.
