[Raptors: Eagles, Hawks and Vultures of the Pacific Northwest]

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

A golden eagle flying above the east face of the Steens Mountain escarpment, with the Alvord Desert beyond........September 14, 2015. This bird was flying at least one-half mile east of the East Rim Viewpoint.

Characteristics:

1. Very large hawk with long, wide wings. Entire body and wings is dark brown. Head is farther forward from wings than a vultures. Wings held flat or in a shallow V (unlike high V of vultures).

2. Immature golden eagles have white patches in wings, white stripe at base of tail.

3. Hunts by soaring, then diving on prey. Feeds on rabbits, rodents, & some deer. May eat road-kill deer.

Habitat:

Found in rural mountains, foothills, and adjacent grasslands.

Importance:

Important predator of rodents.

Paul Slichter