Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Description
The Golden Eagle is probably one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. A large, dark raptor with huge body, bulky folded wings, heavily feathered legs and powerful, heavy bill. Adult birds are uniform dark brown above with golden brown neck and crown. From below, they are dark brown but often with paler, grey-brown base to flight feathers and base of tail. Wings are long and broad with distinctive ‘S’ curve to trailing edge.
Its diet consists of mammals and birds, such as mountain hares and red grouse. It also eats carrion, particularly in winter, when dead sheep become a major part of its diet.
Its nest is a massive construction of sticks, built in large trees or on cliff ledges, which it lines with grass. They usually have a number of nests within their territory which they use alternately and repair as necessary.
Fine days in early spring are a good time to see Golden Eagles as they often engage in a display flight. This consists of tumbling rolls and diving with wings half closed and then sweeping back up and then diving again. Otherwise, can be spotted souring over territories or perched on crags, trees or the ground.
Flight
Slow, deep wingbeats alternated by long glides. Head extends forward but not as far as White-tailed Eagle. Tail longer than head and neck. Also soars, circling slowly with wings held in a ‘V’, slightly forward and primaries upturned. When hunting, tends to fly low then makes fast, slanting dives to drop on prey.
Call
Generally silent but occasionally shrill ‘keeak’ or whistling ‘twee-oo’.
Habitat
Mainly remote mountain areas and moorland.
Where to find Golden Eagle
The remote, mountainous moorlands of Scotland. Particularly, the islands off the west coast. Also, RSPB Haweswater reserve in Cumbria offers a chance of seeing Golden Eagle from its viewpoint, especially during spring and summer.