How to Identify aGolden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos · 27.6–33.1 in (70–84 cm)
Male vs. female
Male
Uniform dark brown with a golden-tawny wash across the back of the head and neck, and fully feathered legs. Sexes look alike.
Female
Identical in plumage but up to a quarter larger.
Male photo: Martin Mecnarowski (http://www.photomecan.eu/) / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Second photo: Rocky / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Field marks
- Golden-tan feathers on the nape and crown
- Legs feathered all the way to the toes
- Wings held in a shallow V while soaring
- Young birds show white wing patches and a white tail base
Similar species
What it sounds like
Mostly silent; occasional weak yelping notes near the nest.
Behaviour that gives it away
Hunts by quartering low over open ground at speed, taking jackrabbits and marmots, and stoops at over 150 mph.
Habitat & range
Open mountains, canyons, sagebrush and prairie across the West.
When you'll see it
Present all year in western, northern and central North America.
What it eats
Rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots and carrion.
Did you know?
Unlike the Bald Eagle its legs are feathered right down to the toes, which is the surest way to separate young birds.
Spot one yourself?
Point your camera at any bird and Aviarist identifies it in seconds — then logs it to your life list.
Get Aviarist on Google Play
More backyard birds
.jpg){kind=link}
Other apps we make
