Overview

The golden eagle is one of the world's most powerful raptors, with broad wings, a golden nape, and talons capable of killing deer fawns and foxes. It soars on thermals over mountains and moorland, spotting prey from kilometres away with eyesight roughly eight times sharper than a human's.

In Scotland, golden eagles are icons of wild high country — a pair may hold a territory of over 100 square kilometres. In North America they range from Alaska to Mexico, sharing cliff ledges and eyries passed down through generations.

Habitat

Open mountains, moorland, and tundra across the Northern Hemisphere suit golden eagles. Scottish Highlands, the American West, and Scandinavia hold breeding pairs on cliff ledges and in remote glens.

Countries found

Interesting facts

01
Golden eagles can spot a rabbit from 3 km away.
02
They can dive at over 240 km/h — among the fastest animals on Earth.
03
Scotland holds most of Britain's breeding golden eagles.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Golden eagles are Least Concern globally with stable populations in North America and Scotland. Persecution and wind farm collisions remain local threats in the UK.