Key information
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. They are listed as a Schedule 1 species.
What they eat:
Birds and mammals - some carrion.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 75-88cm
- Wingspan:
- 204-220cm
- Weight:
- 2.8-4.5kg (male); 3.8-6.6kg (female)
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 440 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Golden eagle (adult)
Golden eagle (juvenile)
