Golden Eagle
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Birds (Aves)
- Dietary Niche: Carnivore (Hares, marmots, young ungulates, carrion)
- Max Speed: 240 km/h (150 mph) in dive
- Adult Weight: 3 - 6.5 kg (6.5 - 14 lbs)
- Typical Lifespan: 15 - 25 years
- Primary Habitat: Open mountainous areas, cliffs, grasslands, deserts
- Native Region: Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa)
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species Binomial | Aquila chrysaetos |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Golden Eagle is one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Using its immense size, speed, and powerful talons, it is a formidable aerial predator capable of taking down prey as large as young deer.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Large dark brown eagle with golden-brown feathers on its nape and crown. Its legs are fully feathered down to the massive yellow feet.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Monogamous pairs defend immense territories, nesting on high cliff ledges or tall trees (eyries) that they rebuild for years.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Soar high and dive at extreme speeds to strike prey, using their sharp talons to crush vital organs instantly.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Lay 1-3 eggs. Usually, only the strongest chick survives due to siblicide. Fledglings fly at 10 weeks.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern, though threatened in parts of its range by wind turbine collisions, lead poisoning, and illegal shooting.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- Golden eagles have eyes that can resolve objects from miles away, with visual acuity 4-8 times greater than humans.
- They can fly carrying prey weighing up to their own body weight.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Golden Eagle.
The Golden Eagle is scientifically classified as Aquila chrysaetos. It belongs to the genus Aquila within the family Accipitridae, class Aves, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Golden Eagles inhabit Open mountainous areas, cliffs, grasslands, deserts. Their native geographic range primarily spans Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa).
The Golden Eagle is classified as a Carnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Open mountainous areas, cliffs, grasslands, deserts.
A Golden Eagle can achieve top speeds of 240 km/h (150 mph) in dive and weighs approximately 3 - 6.5 kg (6.5 - 14 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 15 - 25 years.
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Species Profile."
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