Golden Eagles
Aquila chrysaetos
Description - Golden Eagles are large, brown eagles that
have a pale golden wash on the back of the head and neck; the tail is
faintly banded. In young birds, the tail is white at the base and black
at the tip. Although usually silent, the call of the golden eagle is
a high-pitched "kee-kee-kee" or a high scream or squeal.
Distribution - The breeding range of this bird is
from Alaska east across northern Canada, including British
Columbia, and south to Mexico; they winter in the southern
part of the breeding range. Golden eagles occur in mountain
forests and open grasslands and in any habitat during
migration.
Biology - The golden eagle preys on jackrabbits,
large rodents, snakes and carrion. 1-4 unmarked or lightly
speckled whitish eggs are lain in a large mass of sticks
placed on a rocky ledge or in a tall tree.
