Aquila chrysaetos
If the Rockies could be represented by just one bird, it would surely be the Golden Eagle. From its alpine, 'Rocky Mountain high' soaring to its low flights over the front ranges, the noble eagle embodies the wonder and wildness of the landscape. The northern Rockies host one of the world's greatest raptor migrations: the spring and fall passing of Golden Eagles. Thousands of Golden Eagles ride the thermals of the Rockies to their breeding and wintering grounds each year. Sometimes called the 'king of birds,' the Golden Eagle has been highly regarded by some cultures and persecuted by others. The tail and flight feathers of these eagles were used in the headdresses of many native groups living on the Great Plains. |
I.D.: Sexes similar. Adult: large, brown raptor; golden tint to the neck and head; legs are fully feathered; brown eyes; brown tail is slightly banded with white; yellow feet; dark bill. Immature: white tail base; white patches in the wings. In flight: smallish head; long tail; occasional light patches. Size: L 30-40 in. (76-102 cm); W 61/2-71/2 ft. (2-2.3 m). Range: common winter resident in the Colorado and Wyoming Rockies; common spring migrant and uncommon breeder north of Colorado and throughout the Canadian Rockies. Habitat: Summer: open and semi-open mountainous areas in the subalpine and alpine. Winter: lower elevations; occasionally seen at landfills. Nesting: usually on a cliff overlooking an open area with a good population of small mammals; infrequently in a tree; nest is built of sticks, branches and roots and measures up to 10 ft. (3 m) across; site is often reused, and it may become stained white from droppings. Feeding: swoops on prey from a soaring flight; very opportunistic feeder on ground squirrels, marmots and grouse; often eats carrion; can kill the young of goats, sheep or deer. Voice: generally quiet; rarely a short bark. Similar Species: Bald Eagle: immature lacks the feathers down the legs, shows more white in the wings and has a larger head and heavier bill. 'Harlan's' Red-tailed Hawk: much smaller; hints of red in the tail. |
