Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

The Golden eagle has golden-brown plumage, with head and nape feathers a slightly lighter, gold color. Measuring 27-33 inches in length (68.58-83.82 cm), the golden eagle has a wingspan of 78 inches (198.12 cm) and weighs 7-14 pounds (3-7 kg). Adults have a bill that is smaller and darker than that of our only other eagle, the bald eagle. The immature golden eagle in flight can be distinguished from the immature bald eagle by the presence of distinct white patches on the underside of the wing and by a broad white tail with a dark band. The most notable field mark distinguishing the bald eagle from the golden eagle is the presence of extensive feathering on the legs of golden eagles. Should you be in a position to see it, the feathers go all the way down to the toes on a golden eagle, while the bald eagle has a considerable amount of exposed leg showing.

Golden Eagle: List

Golden Eagle Images

Golden Eagle: Gallery

References

Golden Eagle (1994, December 4). Department of environmental conservation. retrieves April 17, 2020, from https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7096.html.

Photo References

Begazo A. (2019) Adult golden eagle and bald eagle [Photograph]. Avianreport. https://www.avianreport.com/how-to-tell-a-juvenile-golden-eagle-from-a-juvenile-bald-eagle/.

Begazo A. (2019) Juvenile golden eagle and juvenile bald eagle [Photograph]. Avianreport. https://www.avianreport.com/how-to-tell-a-juvenile-golden-eagle-from-a-juvenile-bald-eagle/.

Features R. (2012). Golden eagles are usually associated with North America, but they are also present in Eurasia and parts of Africa [Photograph]. Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/police-warn-public-to-be-extra-vigilant-after-16lb-golden-eagle-escapes-aviary-in-south-wales-8298049.html.

Gertsman L. (2016). Immature [Photograph]. Allaboutbirds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/media-browser/60322101.

U.s. Fish and wildlife service (2019). [Golden eagle mid-flight facing left] [Photograph]. WFPL. https://wfpl.org/harper-the-golden-eagle-returns-to-bernheim-forest/.

USGS. (2017). [parent golden eagle feeding chick] [Photograph]. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/image-a-remote-camera-placed-a-golden-eagle-nest-mojave.

Wheeler B. (1987). Plate 18 Perched eagles [Photograph]. Peterson field guides: Hawks first edition.

Wheeler B. (1987). Plate 19 Soaring eagles from below[Photograph]. Peterson field guides: Hawks first edition.

Wheeler B. (1987). Plate 20 soaring eagles from above [Photograph]. Peterson field guides: Hawks first edition.

Golden Eagle: Text