Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

by Asad

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Accipitridae

Physical Description

Adult Golden Eagles range widely in size. The average length for adult Golden Eagles is 75-85cm and it wingspan is 150-210. Female Golden eagles are slightly larger than males, The record for the tallest Golden eagle was 66 cm(26inches)tall.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Golden Eagles usually catch all the food they eat, rarely feeding on carrion as is common with the bald eagle. They prey on species such as rabbits, squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, fawns of the deer family. Occasionally young domestic livestock are taken as food.

Reproduction

`A male and a female Golden Eagle remain together for the rest of their lives. Their nests are made up of heavy tree branches and a padded covering with grass. Most of their nests are found on cliffs and trees. Did you know that a Golden Eagle's nest is called an eerie? A Golden Eagle's egg is brown with some dark brown spots.` `A female Golden Eagle lays two eggs between January and May (depending on the area).`

Habitat

`Golden Eagles are birds of open country, from desert grasslands to above the timberline. They build large stick nests in trees or cliff walls where they have plenty of room to maneuver.`

Role in the Ecosystem

Golden eagles impact the local population of the animals that they prey on. Golden Eagles are carnivores. It is long been called the "King of Birds". They eat Bald Eagles, Coyotes, Common Ravens, Snakes and Lizards.

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Eagle

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aquila_chrysaetos.html

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/goeafs.html

http://sdakotabirds.com/species/golden_eagle_info.htm

http://home.bluemarble.net/~pqn/ch61-70/goleagle.html

http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/dec/papr/eagle.html