Golden eagles live in large territories of open land.
The golden eagle belongs to the scientific genus Aquila. It is one of the largest species of eagle, reaching 3 feet in body length with a wingspan of over 7 feet. They have predominantly brown-colored plumage with lighter golden-brown feathers on their heads and necks, from which they derive their name. They are the largest raptor found in North America and the national emblem of Mexico.
Habitat
Golden eagles favor environments that provide plenty of open grassland, scrubland or prairie in which to hunt. They do not live in heavily forested areas. This is because their prey consists mainly of leporids, such as hares and rabbits, and sciurids, which include marmots and prairie dogs. All these prey species are ground-dwelling animals. Golden eagles will live at a variety of altitudes from mountains to coastal regions, providing such areas include the requisite open land, as well as rock faces for nesting. They prefer to nest far from human development.
Range
Golden eagles are predominantly found in western parts of the United States and down into Mexico. They highest density of mating pairs of golden eagles is in Alameda County in California. The golden eagle is also found in parts of Europe, across Eurasia from the border with the Scandinavian countries across to Siberia and into China, as well as parts of northern Africa.
Territory
Golden eagles will mate for several years, and often for life. As a pair they will maintain a territory that can be as large as 60 square miles. When not hunting or resting, the golden eagle will patrol its territory to ensure competitors have not encroached upon it.
Nests
Besides vast tracts of open landscape, golden eagle territories will also contain nesting sites. These tend to be ledges on cliff faces or solitary trees. Golden eagles have also been known to make use of man-made structures such as telephone poles in order to build their nests. The nests (or "eyries") are constructed with branches and grass and can be over 6 feet in diameter. The eagle pair may construct more than one and alternate using them over several years.
Threats
The golden eagle is not an endangered species although numbers have declined with human encroachment into their habitat. Pollution from industry near golden eagle habitats has affected numbers. Collision with power lines is also a significant cause of mortality among golden eagles. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, enacted in 1940 in the U.S., protects them from poaching.
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