Golden eagle

The golden eagle (*Aquila chrysaetos*) is a large bird of prey found across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.

The golden eagle (*Aquila chrysaetos*) is a large, powerful raptor found across the Northern Hemisphere, including Canada. It is known for its dark brown body, golden head feathers, and strong hunting skills.

What it is

The golden eagle is one of the largest and fastest birds of prey in North America. Adults measure about 76–96 cm long with a wingspan of 1.8–2.3 m and weigh 3–7 kg. They have dark brown plumage with a distinctive golden-brown sheen on the head and neck. Juveniles often show white patches on the wings and tail.

Where it lives and what it eats

Golden eagles inhabit open and semi-open landscapes like grasslands, tundra, scrublands, and mountains across western North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are carnivores that mainly hunt small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, hares, squirrels, and prairie dogs, but may also take birds and other vertebrates.

Conservation and cultural note

The IUCN lists the golden eagle as Least Concern due to its wide range and large global population. However, local threats include habitat loss, poisoning, collisions, and persecution. In Canada, golden eagles occur mainly in western and northern regions and are valued by birdwatchers and conservation programs. They are also culturally significant in parts of their range.