Golden eagle where to find

Golden eagle Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos. The enigmatic golden eagle disappeared from England and Wales in the 19th century due to severe persecution. Scottish birds suffered from the use of pesticides in the 20th century.

Luckily, golden eagle numbers are soaring high today thanks to conservation efforts. Species information Category Birds of prey. Statistics Length: cm Wingspan: 2. When to see January to December. About The golden eagle is the top predator in the Scottish countryside; it is a massive bird of prey that mainly hunts rabbits and mountain hares, but will also catch foxes and large birds like grouse. It can be seen soaring high in the sky in upland areas and remote glens in the north and west of Scotland.

Occasionally you may see the two species soaring together — in which case, you can identify the golden by its relatively smaller head, longer tail and more elegant profile. The mountainous coastline of Wester Ross in the north-west highlands offers unbeatable scenic backdrops for a golden eagle sighting. You might have to work for it, though. This is wild, rugged country and the birds hold enormous breeding territories — km 2 or more. Hikes into the mountains behind Gairloch and Gruinard Bay have often proved productive for me, while Bienn Eighe National Nature Reserve is also a top spot.

Listen for the calls of crows or ravens, which are quick to protest at the sight of an eagle and will mob it in mid-air. The Cairngorms National Park is prime golden eagle country, with the raptors hunting ptarmigan birds and mountain hares high on the tundra-like mountain plateau. Today, the park holds upwards of 50 breeding territories.

Spring sees the eagle perform conspicuous displays above the skyline. In winter, the birds may descend a little lower and can be seen boldly against the white, snowy backdrop. Display to defend territory includes repeated high flight followed by steep dives, loops, rolls, and other acrobatics. Nest site is most often on cliff ledge, also frequently in large tree, rarely on ground. Sites may be used for many years.

A pair may have 2 or more alternate nest sites, using them in different years. Nest built by both sexes a bulky platform of sticks, lined with weeds, grass, leaves, moss. New material added each year, and nest may become huge. Learn more about these drawings. Northern birds are migratory, mostly moving late in fall and early in spring. In western United States and southwestern Canada, many adults may be permanent residents, but young birds may migrate south in fall.

Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too. Seven extraordinary examples of birds that figured out how to let the wind do the work for them. A broad coalition of justice and environmental groups are working together to fight changes that would gut 50 years of environmental protection.

Latin: Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Latin: Gymnogyps californianus. Latin: Buteo lagopus. Latin: Cathartes aura. A golden eagle photographed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Common Name: Golden Eagle. Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos.

Type: Birds. Diet: Carnivore. Size: 33 to 38 inches; wingspan: 6 to 7. Weight: 6 to 15 pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man:. Least concern. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Stable. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email.