• Barbara Keith
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  • Added 24 Jul 2019
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The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the most widely distributed species of eagle. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes. Immature eagles of this species typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings. Golden eagles use their agility and speed combined with powerful feet and massive, sharp talons to snatch up a variety of prey, mainly hares, rabbits, and marmots and other ground squirrels. Golden eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km2 (77 sq mi). They build large nests in cliffs and other high places to which they may return for several breeding years. Most breeding activities take place in the spring; they are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life. Females lay up to four eggs, and then incubate them for six weeks. Typically, one or two young survive to fledge in about three months. These juvenile golden eagles usually attain full independence in the fall, after which they wander widely until establishing a territory for themselves in four to five years. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many areas which are now more heavily populated by humans. Despite being extirpated from or uncommon in some of its former range, the species is still widespread, being present in sizeable stretches of Eurasia, North America, and parts of North Africa. It is the largest and least populous of the five species of true accipitrid to occur as a breeding species in both the Palearctic and the Nearctic (Wikipedia).

4 Comments

Anonymous Guest

J Kong 21 Aug 2019

Powerful work!

Artist Reply: thank you

Brenda Loveless 24 Jul 2019

Gorgeous birds!

Artist Reply: I do try, thanks

Debra Kott 24 Jul 2019

Fantastic

Artist Reply: thanks

Joanie Holliday 24 Jul 2019

MARVELOUS AND GREAT TITLE TOO.

Artist Reply: It's not always easy to find the right title but I always try.. thanks