The Golden Eagle
Jan 2nd, 2008 by Josey
The Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
Found mostly in the western regions of North America, the Golden Eagle is one of the largest predatory birds in the Northern Hemisphere. The Golden Eagle is dark golden brown in color with long, broad wings. Female Golden Eagle are larger than their male counterparts. They weigh from 9 - 12.5 pounds, are about 36″ long, and have an incredible wing span of 6.5 to 7.5 feet.
The Golden Eagle frequents a variety of habitats from the desert to the arctic, and dwells in and around open spaces that provide hunting areas, often near cliffs are their nesting sites. They have an astonishing speed and maneuverability for their size, and are excellent hunters. The Golden Eagle eats mainly rabbits, ground squirrels and prairie dogs. If the bird spots prey while soaring, it can swoop at speeds of an amazing 200 mph.
A pair of Golden Eagles remain together for life. They build several nests within their territory and use them for several years. The females normally lay from 1-4 eggs a cycle.
The Golden Eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and their feathers are central to many spiritual and religious customs, especially amongst the Native Americans in the United States. Feathers of the Golden Eagle are often worn on Native American headdresses and have been compared to the crucifix of the Bible. There is currently a law in place in the United States that only individuals of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers for religious or spiritual use.
The Golden Eagle is featured in the national coat of arms of Egypt, Mexico and many other countries.
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By: Josey Layne