The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large and powerful raptor, 75–90 cm long with a wingspan of 190–230 cm and a weight of 3–6.5 kg, the female noticeably larger than the male. Adults are dark brown overall with warm golden-brown feathering across the nape and crown that gives the species its name, and the legs are feathered all the way down to the toes. Juveniles show white patches in the wings and a white, black-banded tail base, gradually moulting into full adult plumage by around five years of age; in flight the wings are held in a shallow V.
The Golden Eagle is mostly silent, though a light, ringing "ki-ki-ki" or whistling calls may be heard near the nest and during display. It breeds mainly in northern and central Sweden, across the mountain range and the great forest landscapes, with scattered pairs further south; the Swedish population is put at 800–1,200 pairs, and the species is red-listed as Vulnerable (VU) nationally. It is largely resident, though young non-breeding birds can wander widely and some mountain birds move south in winter. The large stick nest is built on a rock ledge or high in a mature pine and reused for many years, added to season after season; the female usually lays 2 eggs and incubates for 43–45 days, though often only a single chick survives to fledging at 65–80 days. Golden Eagles hunt medium-sized mammals and birds — hares, grouse and other forest birds — and also take roe deer fawns and fox cubs; in winter, carrion becomes an important food source and eagles gather at carcasses of animals that have died naturally or been killed on roads.
Read about this species in Swedish →