Golden Eagle - description, habitat, interesting facts

The golden eagle is considered a proud bird and one of the largest of its kind. People have long believed that the golden eagle hovering in the sky above the house will bring protection to the whole family. And in this there is not a drop of exaggeration, because the individuals of the represented breed group really protect. The bird is large, hardy, it can kill a fox and even a wolf. Therefore, when an individual goes hunting, no one will hide. But we will not run ahead. We study all the details in turn.

Description

1. It has already been mentioned that these birds are distinguished by their endurance and large dimensions. They hang in the sky for a long time, looking for prey. Then, with great speed, they go down and slaughter it. You can look at the battle of the beast and the eagle endlessly, usually the battle ends in favor of the latter.
2. Regarding the size, regardless of gender, the bird grows up to 90 cm on the body.At the same time its wingspan is 1.9-2 meters. Some females in very rare cases appear larger than male individuals. For example, it weighs 7 kg., And he - up to 5 kg. Again, it all depends on the habitat, nutrition and other aspects.
3. The beak has a hook shape, characteristic of birds from the eagle category. The sharp end of the beak goes down. Also the breed trait is the presence of elongated feathers in the neck.
4. The wings are famous for their strength, size and length. In young animals, the wings have a special structure, in shape they taper towards the base, and at the ends are zigzag. With the passage of time and maturation, this trait is not so strongly expressed. Birds can fly at speeds of more than 300 km / h.
5. The tail is rounded at the end, not too long, but not short. He is more like a hawkish type than an eagle. When a bird is in flight, it spreads it in the form of a fan.
6. Another remarkable feature is eye color. They are brown or almost black. Claws have a bright yellow color with red. The golden eagle has a typical eagle voice. He is the same sonorous, loud, similar to a dog barking. Birds speak little, mostly whistling or quacking when talking to their offspring.
7. The main coloring - brown or brownish-gray with black splashes.On the back of the head sometimes golden feathers appear. There is no sexual dimorphism in terms of the color of the plumage; females with males are identical in external data. There is perhaps a difference between the coloring of young and adult birds.
8. Young growth is almost black, whitish specks are clearly visible in the lower region. They will become less noticeable or disappear altogether when the individual reaches the age of 2 years. If you follow the data obtained by experienced ornithologists, spots are necessary to signal age.
9. When a young individual with white feathers hunts in a foreign territory, the adult individuals to whom this area belongs will not be so hostile. They understand that in front of them is an inexperienced younger generation. Therefore, either gently shove him away, or will not touch at all.
10. When molting begins, birds become similar to adult eagles. Usually after a few molts, the young grows outwardly, as a rule, this happens in the fourth or fifth year of life. Birds can be brownish or black in color, as well as shades close to them.

Habitat

1. Representatives of the breed group belong to the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere. That is, they are found in the United States of America, more precisely, its northern part from Mexico to Alaska, in eastern Canada and America. You can also find these soaring inhabitants in Tunisia and Morocco, they like the Red Sea in all its glory.
2. No cost and without mountainous areas, such as Scandinavia, Turkey, Scotland, the Caucasus. On the plains, golden eagles live in the Baltic countries, Belarus and Russia.
3. Some species and populations are common on the islands of the Mediterranean. It is about Crete, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Cyprus. Among Asian countries, Iran and Iraq should be singled out, as well as China with Japan and Afghanistan.
4. Despite the fact that such a bird is very common, it is still considered rare and is carefully guarded by the relevant organizations. The population is clearly monitored. Individuals are sedentary, sometimes leave their native spaces, going for the winter.
5. If the birds live where their future prey may hibernate for the winter, they will move to the southern regions, so that they have something to eat. However, they try not to leave the nesting area, flying away only in extreme cases.
6. A bird always chooses open flat areas or territories that are only slightly covered by trees. Located far from people, for example, in the tundra, coniferous and mixed forest, forest tundra, etc. Nests are built on sheer cliffs or trees up to 30 meters high.

Nutrition

1. Food included in the diet, depends on where the bird lives and what time of year we are talking about. Golden Eagles know how to hunt and do it with great pleasure, they are able to drive and kill game.
2. The basis of everyday food are ferrets, squirrels, marmots with gophers and hares, as well as skunks and hedgehogs.
3. They can feast on turtles and some birds. Of the latter, it is worthwhile to single out partridges, owls, hawks, ducks, domesticated geese, grouse, pigeons.
4. If the bird lives in the southern hemisphere, it preferably eats snakes, frogs and other aquatic / reptiles. It is interesting that birds will easily slaughter a sheep, a roe, or a deer if the animal is sick.
5. In the winter season, when there may be problems with food extraction, golden eagles eat carrion. They find dead mammals and arrange a full meal for themselves.Up to 1.5 kg is required per day per individual. meat. But if there is no possibility to eat, the eagle will stay without food for up to 1 month.
6. On clear days, golden eagles soar for a long time at high altitude in search of prey. At this time, they practically do not work wings. They have excellent vision, so they notice any movement on the ground. Also considered individuals can hunt at low altitude. Using glide when attacking.
7. If the weather leaves much to be desired, then the eagles for a long time looking out for prey from rocks or from a tree. As soon as the bird in question notices the prey, it begins to dive. At this time, the speed of the golden eagle reaches up to 320 km / h.
8. Often the hunting of such individuals occurs in pairs. With age and gaining wisdom, each time the result during the hunt increases. Young golden eagles catch 20% of their prey from 100%. With age, the birds reach mastery. Mining does not even have time to run, as the golden eagle already grabs it.
9. The paws of the individuals in question are very strong. During hunting, such birds can carry carcasses weighing up to 5 kg. Often, golden eagles take prey from other birds. This characteristic is characteristic of many individuals of this species.

Mating season

1. Golden eagles reach sexual maturity only at the age of five. Such birds belong to monogamous couples. Therefore, the fidelity of individuals remains for many years. This will occur until one of the birds dies.
2. If golden eagles think they are completely safe, they will nest in the same place for a long time. It is worth noting that both individuals will strictly protect their possessions, they can live on this place year-round. Even despite the severe frosts.
3. The mating period in individuals begins from the end of winter to the middle of spring. Many factors depend on the region of residence and climatic conditions. During this period, the couple begins to flaunt each other. Individuals hover in the air, performing various shapes.
4. The presented individuals also became famous for their “garland” flight. It is performed by the pair either singly in waves and with a large amplitude. At this time, the male gains height, and then begins to fall in free fall.
5. At the lowest point near the ground, the bird spreads its wings and repeats the trick again. In addition, the pair plays catch-up.They chase each other and circle together, forming spirals. Also, individuals show each other the beauty of their claws.
6. In the marriage time, the golden eagle keeps a close watch on its territory and drives the predators away from its nest. If, for any reason, a person touches the nest, the individuals here will come to grips. Also, golden eagles will throw chicks or clutch and fly away forever.
7. The construction of the dwelling is done by both individuals. The process can drag on for a whole year. The birds are most active from mid-winter to early spring.

Interesting Facts

1. It is worth noting a very interesting fact about the fact that the individuals in question are very well trained. In many countries, golden eagles are used specifically for hunting.
2. It is possible to notice that in many countries of the world on various coats of arms flaunts the symbolism of the presented eagle.
3. Also considered individuals are able to distinguish colors. Such a phenomenon in the animal world is considered an extreme rarity.
4. Juveniles during the period of growing are prone to cannibalism. One chick can simply eat another. Also the elder brother can kill the younger one.This may be due to lack of food.

Golden eagles, as well as relatives, are quite strong and dangerous birds. They hunt for fairly large prey. After the individuals are divided into pairs, they remain faithful to each other until death. All the time the couple tries to spend together. Also, the hunt happens only together.

Video: Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)