Hobbies And Interests
Size
The adult golden eagle may reach lengths in excess of 3 feet and possess a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet. The bird may reach a weight of 15 pounds, and a golden eagle can live for 30 years.
Identification
A golden eagle is dark brown, with the exception of golden-brownish feathers in the region of its neck and head. The bird features sharp talons and a strong hooked bill. The tail is long and the bird's wings are broad.
Diet
The diet of the golden eagle consists of a variety of creatures, including small mammals such as squirrels. The bird can dive at speeds up to 150 miles per hour, allowing them to easily capture and then kill their prey. Ranchers, fearing that golden eagles would kill their livestock, shot and poisoned the birds, but now golden eagles are under protection.
Habitat
In the United States, golden eagles are rare in the East and more common in the West. Golden eagles typically inhabit open areas where they can watch for potential prey from up high. The birds make a nest of sticks, frequently on cliffs but sometimes in a tall tree.