Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos

Adult golden eagles have a wingspan of 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 feet, with the female of the species being larger than the male.

Mature golden eagles are dark brown with golden feathers on the nape of their necks. The birds' eyes are dark brown and the beaks and feet are black. Immature birds have a broad white tail band followed by a black band on their tails.

A pair of golden eagles require a home range of about 35 square miles. The eagles prefer mountainous open country, high meadows above 4,000 feet.

They prey upon small mammals, snakes, insects, marmots, and skunks.

A pair builds elaborate nests of sticks, twigs, moss, and fur on cliffs or in trees. The pair may alternate use between several nests.

Golden eagles mate for life. The female lays one to four eggs. The male helps incubate the eggs, feed, and raise the young.