Golden Eagle

Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are long-lived (15–30+ years), monogamous raptors that maintain large, permanent, and often cliff-based, hunting territories. They are apex predators feeding on small-to-medium mammals, typically nesting in remote areas, with females laying 1–2 eggs, though chick survival is low. 

Life History and Biology 

• Lifespan and Maturity: Golden eagles can live for over 30 years in the wild, though 15–20 years is more common. They reach sexual maturity and acquire adult plumage at approximately 4–5 years of age.

• Pairing and Territory: They mate for life and defend vast territories, sometimes up to 150–200 km

• 2

• 2, which include multiple nests or "eyries".

• Breeding and Nesting: Pairs build or maintain 3–4 large stick nests (up to 4.5m deep) on cliffs or in trees, often adding to them annually.

• Reproduction: A single clutch of 1–2 eggs is typically laid, with an incubation period of 35–45 days.

• Chick Development: Eaglets fledge in 65–75 days. The second chick to hatch has a low survival rate (often ~20%), commonly failing to survive the nestling stage due to siblicide.

• Diet: As top predators, they eat rabbits, hares, foxes, and grouse, along with carrion. 

This video provides an overview of the life of a golden eagle:

59s

In Focus

YouTube • 6 Jul 2025

Habitat and Conservation 

• Habitat: They prefer open and semi-open country, including mountains, cliffs, and moorlands.

• Threats: Historically impacted by pesticides (eggshell thinning) and persecution, they face ongoing threats from illegal killing and, in some areas, habitat loss.

• Status: They are protected, with stable but sparse populations across the Northern Hemisphere.