The wingspan of golden eagles is the fifth largest among living eagle species. Its wings are broad and the wingspan is 1.8 to 2.34 metres (5 ft 11 in to 7 ft 8 in). The golden eagle is a very large raptor, 66 to 102 centimetres (26 to 40 in) in length. It is one of the most extensively studied species of raptor in the world in some parts of its range, such as the Western United States and the Western Palearctic. Due to its hunting prowess, the golden eagle is regarded with great mystic reverence in some ancient, tribal cultures. įor centuries, this species has been one of the most highly regarded birds used in falconry. 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. 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. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many areas that are heavily populated by humans. 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. Typically, one or two young survive to fledge in about three months. Females lay up to four eggs, and then incubate them for six weeks. Most breeding activities take place in the spring they are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life.

They build large nests in cliffs and other high places to which they may return for several breeding years. Golden eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km 2 (77 sq mi). 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. Immature eagles of this species typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings. These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes. They are one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is the most widely distributed species of eagle.

The golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos) is a bird of prey living in the Northern Hemisphere.

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