Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is a very large, powerful eagle of the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are mainly dark brown, with lighter golden-brown feathers across the crown and nape that give the species its name. Young birds commonly show conspicuous white patches in the wings and white at the base of the tail. Like other booted eagles, it has feathering down the legs to the toes. Broad wings and a relatively long tail create a distinctive soaring silhouette. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Golden Eagles favour open or semi-open landscapes where they can search widely for prey, while nesting on cliffs or other commanding sites. They hunt chiefly mammals and birds, using height, speed and powerful feet, and they also take carrion when available. Pairs occupy extensive territories and build large stick nests that may be reused and enlarged. The species occurs across Eurasia, North Africa and North America, with local movements varying according to age, latitude and food conditions. (Wikipedia, general species account)