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Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Golden Eagle is one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Lustrous gold feathers gleam on the back of its head and neck; a powerful beak and talons advertise its hunting prowess. You're most likely to see this eagle in western North America, soaring on steady wings or diving in pursuit of the jackrabbits and other small mammals that are its main prey. Sometimes seen attacking large mammals, or fighting off coyotes or bears in defense of its prey and young, the Golden Eagle has long inspired both reverence and fear.

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Songs

Golden Eagles are not big talkers. Their occasional calls tend to be high, weak, and whistled. You’re most likely to hear these birds during breeding season, when nestlings’ high-pitched begging calls can travel a mile or more, and adults announce food deliveries with a wip or a wonk.

Calls

  • Calls
    Recorded by Andrea L. Priori
    • Courtesy of Macaulay Library
    © Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Call a high yelp.

Search the Macaulay Library online archive for more sounds and videos

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