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Latin name

Aquila chrysaetos

Family

Hawks, vultures and eagles (Accipitridae)

Overview

A huge bird of prey, with only the white-tailed eagle larger in the UK. With its long broad wings and longish tail, it has a different outline to the smaller buzzard. It likes to soar and glide on air currents, holding its wings in a shallow 'V'. Eagles have traditional territories and nesting places which may be used by generations. They have been illegally killed in the past and are still occasionally poisoned, or have their nests robbed.

Where to see them

It lives in the wild, open moorlands and mountains of Scotland, favouring islands and remote glens. Best looked for soaring high over hillsides in the Scottish Highlands. The few English eagles can be looked for at the RSPB's Haweswater reserve and watchpoint in Cumbria.

When to see them

All year round. Look for displaying birds, with their looping and plunging flights, on fine days in winter and early spring.

What they eat

Birds and mammals - some carrion.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK

Scotland and NW England

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Breeding
• Feeding
• Legal status
• Population trends
• Threats
• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

2 illustrations 12

Golden eagle

Golden eagle - juvenile

Similar birds

Buzzard

White-tailed eagle