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Golden Eagle Behavior

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Golden Eagle Behavior

[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-4jbg3vk’] Biology | Behavior | Diet | Nests | Demographics | Eaglets | Status
Symbolism | Laws Protecting Eagles | Dangers | AEF & Golden Eagles | Overview
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A Golden Eagle surveys his world atop a rock in Boulder, CO.

A Golden Eagle surveys his world atop a rock in Boulder, CO. Photo © Rob Palmer, www.raptorphotos.com

[/av_textblock] [av_toggle_container initial=’0′ mode=’accordion’ sort=” styling=” colors=” font_color=” background_color=” border_color=” av_uid=’av-3jnitts’ custom_class=”] [av_toggle title=’How fast can a golden eagle fly?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-2vde7gg’] Golden Eagles are one of the largest and most powerful raptors in North America.  Extremely fast, they display astonishing maneuverability. As they fly, Golden Eagles often hold their wings up in a slight “V.”  A normal soaring speed is about 28-32 mph; when they are hunting, they can glide at speeds up to 120 mph. When diving (or stooping) for prey, they reach speeds of 150 – 200 mph. They can also soar effortlessly for hours.
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’How much weight can a Golden Eagle carry?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-2dgym9s’] Up to 8 pounds while flying.
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’Do Golden Eagles migrate?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-215ae9s’] It depends on where they live. North American Golden Eagles living in Alaska or Canada migrate South. Golden Eagles living in the Continental United States stay in the same territory year round.

A very interesting project conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service involved catching a Golden Eagle in Wyoming in March, 2014. By clicking on this link, you can follow the track of this raptor on its southern migration as it soared above the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. This is a new custom 3D story map by the Esri Story Maps team.
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’What vocalizations do Golden Eagles make?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-1hlm6e8′] According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they do not vocalize a lot. They tend to have calls that are high, weak, and whistled. When babies are in the nest, they beg for food by making high-pitched calls that can travel a mile or more.  When adults bring food back to the nest, they make a responding call.
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’Do golden eagles mate for life?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-10u0xb4′] Yes.
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Golden Eagle Sky Dancing (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

“The dizzying “sky-dancing” of a Golden Eagle is used both as a territorial and a courtship display. Golden Eagles possess astonishing speed and maneuverability for their size, and are one of the fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Diving from great heights, these eagles have been clocked at close to 200 miles per hour. Thanks to the team who created the new Raptor ID app for sharing their gorgeous video filmed in the Wasatch range in Utah as a backdrop.” Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Facebook Page
[/av_toggle] [av_toggle title=’Do you recommend a book about Golden Eagles?’ tags=” av_uid=’av-oh1js0′] Gifts of an EagleGifts of an Eagle is the true story of Ed Durden and a Golden Eagle, as documented by Ed’s son, Kent. The 16 years Ed and ‘Lady’ spent together were more than Ed could have ever expected, and the story remains a touching and astonishing classic.

This book is a glorious read, and an uplifting experience for anyone who loves eagles. Originally published in 1972 by Simon & Schuster, it remained on the New York best sellers list for 8 weeks. It is available at our online store.

“What a superb book…an outstanding story of one of the grandest creatures of nature, written with rare knowledge and understanding of the subject. It combines keen observation with a remarkable intimate relationship, so seldom found in studies of wild creatures. It should become a “classic”…”      —Joy Adamson, author of Born Free
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