GOLDEN EAGLE
(aquila chrysaetos)
The Golden Eagle - its name is due to the golden crown and
neck feathers - is Britain's only true or "booted" Eagle.
With a wingspan which may exceed 7ft and weighing over
141bs, it is Britain's second largest Bird of Prey after
the White-tailed Sea Eagle.
The Golden Eagle is largely confined to the mountain
regions of Scotland, where it uses the strong winds and
updrafts to soar effortlessly in search of its food,
consisting mainly of carrion, rabbits and hares. The
population is currently estimated at around 450 pairs,
representing about 15% of the total European population.
FACT
FILE:
LENGTH:
75 - 88cm (30 - 35ins)WINGSPAN:
204 - 220cm (80 - 87ins)WEIGHT:
2.8 - 6.7kg (61bs 3oz-141bs 11oz)HABITAT:
Open mountainous land. Nests are huge structures of twigs
and small branches on rocky ledges.
Photo © Don Baccus