Golden eagle - description, habitat, interesting facts

The golden eagle is considered a proud bird and one of the largest of its kind. Since ancient times, people have believed that a golden eagle soaring in the sky above a house will bring protection to the whole family. And there is not a bit of exaggeration in this, because the individuals of the represented breed group really protect. The bird is large, hardy, can kill a fox and even a wolf. Therefore, when an individual goes on a hunt, no one should hide. But we will not get ahead of ourselves. We will study all the subtleties in order of priority.

Description

1. It was previously 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 they descend with great speed and clog it. You can watch the battle of the beast and the golden eagle endlessly, usually the battle ends in favor of the latter.
2. As for the size, regardless of gender, the bird grows up to 90 cm in body. At the same time, its wingspan is 1.9–2 meters. Some females in very rare cases look larger than males. For example, it weighs 7 kg., And he - up to 5 kg. Again, it all depends on the environment, nutrition and other aspects.
3. In individuals, the hook-shaped beak is characteristic of birds from the eagle category. The sharp end of the beak goes down. Also, the presence of elongated feathers in the neck is considered a pedigree feature.
4. The wings are famous for their power, size and length. In young animals, the wings have a special structure, in shape they taper to the base, and at the ends are zigzag. Over time and growing up, this trait is not so pronounced. Birds can fly at a speed of more than 300 km / h.
5. The tail is rounded at the end, not too long, but not short either. He is more like not an eagle, but a hawk type. When the bird is in flight, it spreads it in the form of a fan.
6. Another noteworthy feature is eye color. They are brown or almost black. Claws have a bright yellow color with a red. The golden eagle has a typical eagle voice. He is the same sonorous, loud, similar to a dog barking. Birds speak little, mostly whistle or quack when talking to their offspring.
7. The main coloring is brown or brownish-gray with black spots. On the occipital part, feathers of golden tide are sometimes visible. There is no sexual dimorphism in terms of plumage color; females with males are identical according to external data. There is perhaps the difference between the coloring of young and adult birds.
8. Young growth is almost black, whitish spots are clearly visible in the lower region. They will become less noticeable or completely disappear 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 preys on foreign territory, the adult individuals to which this area belongs will not be so hostile. They understand that in front of them is an inexperienced younger generation. Therefore, they either gently drive away, or they will not touch at all.
10. When molting begins, the birds become like adult golden eagles. Usually, after a few molts, the young growth outwardly grows, as a rule, this happens in the fourth or fifth year of life. By color, birds can be brownish or black, 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. Not without mountainous areas such as Scandinavia, Turkey, Scotland, the Caucasus. On flat areas golden eagles live in the Baltic countries, Belarus and Russia.
3. Some species and populations are common on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. We are talking about Crete, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Cyprus. Of the Asian countries, Iran with Iraq, as well as China with Japan and Afghanistan, should be distinguished.
4. Despite the fact that such a bird is very common, it is still considered rare and carefully protected by relevant organizations. The population is clearly monitored. Individuals lead a sedentary lifestyle, sometimes leaving their native expanses, setting off for wintering.
5. If the birds live where their future prey may hibernate for the winter, they will move to the southern regions to have something to feast on. However, they try not to leave the nesting area, flying away only in extreme cases.
6. The bird always chooses open plains or territories that are only slightly covered by trees. They are located far from people, for example, in the tundra, coniferous and mixed forests, forest-tundra, etc. Nests are built on steep rocks or trees up to 30 meters high.

Nutrition

1. The food included in the diet depends on where the bird lives and what season it is about. Golden eagles are able to hunt and do it with great pleasure, they can drive and kill game.
2. The basis of everyday nutrition is made up of 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 worth highlighting partridges, owls, hawks, ducks, domesticated geese, grouse, pigeons.
4. If the bird lives in the southern hemisphere, it preferably eats snakes, frogs, and other terrestrial / reptile inhabitants. It is interesting that birds easily slaughter a sheep, roe deer, and deer if the animal is sick.
5. In the winter season, when there may be problems with food production, golden eagles eat carrion. They find dead mammals and arrange a full meal for themselves. Up to 1.5 kg is required per day. meat. But if there is no opportunity to eat, the golden 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 with wings. They have excellent vision, so they notice any movement on earth. Also considered individuals can hunt at low altitude. Using glide when attacking.
7. If the weather leaves much to be desired, then golden eagles look for prey for a long time from rocks or from a tree. As soon as the bird in question notices prey, it begins to dive. At this time, the golden eagle's speed reaches up to 320 km / h.
8. Often, hunting in such individuals occurs in pairs. With age and gaining wisdom, each time the result during the hunt increases. Young golden eagles catch 20% of the production from 100%. With age, birds achieve mastery. The prey does not even have time to run, as the golden eagle has already grabbed it.
9. Paws of the considered individuals 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 puberty only by the age of five. Such birds belong to monogamous pairs. Therefore, loyalty in individuals remains for many years. This will happen until one of the birds dies.
2. If golden eagles think that they are completely safe, they will nest in one place for a long time. It is worth noting that both individuals will strictly guard their possessions, they can live in this place year-round. Even in spite of severe frosts.
3. The mating season in individuals begins from the end of winter to mid-spring.Many factors depend on the region of residence and climatic conditions. In such a period, the couple begins to show off in front of each other. Individuals soar in the air, performing various shapes.
4. The presented individuals were also famous for their “garland” flight. It is performed as a pair or alone in a wave-like manner and with a large amplitude. At this time, the male gains height, after which it 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 couple plays catch-up. They chase each other and circle together, forming spirals. Also, individuals demonstrate to each other the beauty of the claws.
6. In mating time, golden eagles closely monitor their territory and drive predators away from their nest. If for any reason a person touches the nest, individuals will enter the fray. Also, golden eagles will throw chicks or clutch and fly away forever.
7. Both individuals are engaged in the construction of the dwelling. The process can be delayed 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 very well lend themselves to training. In many countries, golden eagles are used specifically for hunting.
2. You can see that in many countries of the world on different emblems the symbolism of the represented eagle flaunts.
3. Also considered individuals are able to distinguish colors. A similar phenomenon in the animal kingdom is considered extremely rare.
4. Young growth in the period of growth is prone to cannibalism. One chick can simply eat another. Also, the older brother can kill the younger. This can happen due to lack of food.

Golden eagles, like relatives, are quite strong and dangerous birds. They prey on rather large prey. After individuals are divided into pairs, they remain faithful to each other until death. All the time the couple tries to spend together. Also, hunting takes place only together.

Video: golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)