Eagles evoke a sense of power and majesty, inspiring admiration across cultures. These impressive birds of prey, with their formidable size and hunting prowess, often lead to curiosity about which species stands as the largest in North America. Understanding the characteristics of North America’s largest eagle provides insight into its remarkable adaptations and ecological role.
North America’s Largest Eagle
The Golden Eagle, scientifically known as Aquila chrysaetos, is generally considered the largest eagle in North America. Golden Eagles typically have a wingspan ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 feet, with some individuals reaching up to 8 feet. Their body length usually spans 2.5 to 3.5 feet, and they weigh between 8 to 14 pounds.
While the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is also a large raptor, the Golden Eagle generally surpasses it in overall length and wingspan. Although female Bald Eagles can sometimes match or exceed Golden Eagles in weight, the Golden Eagle’s broader wings and longer body contribute to its designation as the largest by general dimensions.
Physical Characteristics
The Golden Eagle possesses distinctive physical features. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, complemented by lighter golden-brown feathers on the nape, or back of the neck, which gives the species its common name. Young Golden Eagles often display white patches on their wings and at the base of their tails, which gradually fade as they mature.
These eagles are equipped with a large, hooked bill and powerful feet adorned with long, sharp talons. The broad, expansive wings allow the Golden Eagle to soar efficiently, covering vast distances with minimal effort. Females are typically larger and heavier than males.
Habitat and Hunting
Golden Eagles inhabit a wide variety of open and semi-open landscapes across North America, including mountains, plateaus, and grasslands. While they are more common in the western half of the United States, they can also be found in parts of eastern North America, though in smaller numbers. Their territorial ranges can be extensive, sometimes exceeding 77 square miles.
The Golden Eagle often soars high above the ground, utilizing its keen eyesight to spot prey from considerable distances. Once prey is sighted, the eagle descends in a swift, powerful dive, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour during a hunting stoop. Their diet primarily consists of small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, hares, marmots, and ground squirrels, but they will also hunt birds and occasionally scavenge on carrion, especially when live prey is scarce.
Conservation and Significance
The Golden Eagle is protected by several pieces of legislation in North America, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) in the United States. These acts prohibit the “taking,” which includes killing, harming, or disturbing, of eagles, their parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. Despite these protections, Golden Eagles face several threats that impact their populations.
Major threats include habitat loss due to urbanization and human population growth, lead poisoning from ingesting bullet fragments in carrion, and collisions with structures like wind turbines and power lines.
Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these threats through measures such as promoting non-lead ammunition, careful siting of energy infrastructure, and protecting their expansive habitats. While the Golden Eagle population is considered stable globally, concerns remain about potential declines in certain regions, particularly in the eastern United States.