Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
North America's largest bird of prey, a brown eagle with golden feathers on its neck that can dive at 200 miles per hour.
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About the Golden Eagle
Golden eagles are the largest birds of prey in North America, with wings up to 7 feet across and weights of 6 to 15 pounds. They live across Europe, Asia, northern Africa and western North America, in open mountain country, tundra, grasslands and woodlands. They hunt mostly rodents but also eat reptiles, fish, birds and carrion. Southern Alameda County, California, has the most nesting golden eagles anywhere.[1]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Aquila chrysaetos[1]
- Size
- Wingspan up to 7 feet.[1]
- Weight
- 6 to 15 pounds. Females are larger.[1]
- Lifespan
- About 30 years in the wild. Up to 46 in human care.[1]
- Diet
- Carnivore. Mostly rodents, plus reptiles, fish, birds and carrion.[1]
- Habitat
- Open mountains, tundra, grasslands, woodlands and near water.[1]
- Where it lives
- Europe, Asia, northern Africa and western North America.[1]
- Group life
- Alone or in pairs. May mate for life.[1]
- Babies
- Usually two eggs, incubated about 40 to 45 days.[1]
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2021).[2]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- talon
- A sharp, curved claw on a bird of prey.
- raptor
- A bird of prey, such as an eagle, hawk or owl.
- soar
- To glide high in the air without flapping.
- monogamous
- Having one mate at a time, sometimes for life.
- carrion
- The meat of an animal that is already dead.
See it in person
- San Francisco Zoo & GardensSan Francisco, California · BirdsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.
Sources
- [1] San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. “Golden Eagle.” https://www.sfzoo.org/golden-eagle/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Aquila chrysaetos (Golden Eagle).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696060/202078899 (accessed 2026-10-02)
Facts last checked 2026-10-02.
