The golden eagle

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a Northern Hemisphere bird of prey. It is the most widely dispersed eagle species. It, like all eagles, is a member of the Accipitridae family. They are one of the most well-known raptors in the Northern Hemisphere. These birds have dark brown plumage with lighter golden-brown feathers on their napes. This species' immature eagles often have white on the tail and white markings on the wings. Golden eagles hunt a range of prey, primarily hares, rabbits, and marmots, as well as other ground squirrels, using their agility and speed, as well as powerful feet and large, pointed talons.

Golden eagles have home ranges or territories that can be up to 200 km2 (77 sq mi). They construct huge nests on cliffs and other high sites, where they may return for numerous breeding seasons. The majority of breeding occurs in the spring; they are monogamous and may stay together for several years, if not for life. Females lay up to four eggs, which they then incubate for six weeks. In most cases, only one or two offspring survive to fledge in about three months. These adolescent golden eagles often achieve full freedom in the fall, following which they roam widely until they establish a territory for themselves in four to five years.

It was once common throughout the Holarctic, but it has since vanished from many heavily populated places. Despite being extinct or rare in areas of its historic range, the species is still widespread, with populations found in large swaths of Eurasia, North America, and parts of North Africa. It is the largest and least abundant of the five true accipitrid species that breed in both the Palearctic and the Nearctic. For generations, this species has been recognized as one of the most prestigious birds employed in falconry. Because of its hunting skill, the golden eagle is held in high regard in several ancient tribal societies. In some sections of its range, such as the Western United States and the Western Palearctic, it is one of the most intensively researched raptor species on the planet. Golden eagles rank near the top of the list of North America's largest birds. They can have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and weigh 13 pounds when fully mature. Despite the fact that these enormous birds have been observed hunting bighorn sheep, they rarely prey on raccoons.