The North American Golden Eagle
By Aaron Andrade
In a time where we often find ourselves stuck looking down at our devices, take time to look up and around at the universe around us. Take careful notes of all the little crevasses, any nooks and crannies. I promise you will find all sorts of creatures.
In the sky, soaring as if guided by the air, we find a creature revered for its strength and said to be a servant to gods and mortal spirits. This creature is Aquila Chrysaetos, commonly known as the Golden Eagle, the largest bird of prey in North America. The Golden Eagle species has an expansive range (Audubon), its North American subspecies can be found as far north as Alaska and as far south as Michoacán, Mexico. There are also some reported pockets of individuals along the East Coast but they typically pass through during migration season.
The life of a Golden Eagle begins high above the ground, inside platform-like nests often built elevated on cliffs, trees and other tall structures. These nests give adult eagles some obvious advantages, like a wide view of their hunting grounds and protection from predators. The eagles have been observed being more flexible in choosing their nesting sites, some build nests along river embankments, on the ground and even man-made structures.
During the incubation period, both parents take turns laying on the eggs, with females nesting more while the males hunt for food and ward off predators. When the chicks hatch they are entirely reliant on both parents who have been incubating an average of one to four eggs. The chicks are born small and weak, and depending on local conditions the parents, more so females, brood in the nest for up to 45 days.
This time is trivial for the survival of the hatchlings, if they go unprotected for too long they could easily die from the cold or nearby predators. Parents do not often leave their young for such long periods however, in times of short supply of prey, both parents may need to venture out for food.
Due to past and current acts of deforestation, Golden Eagle populations have declined from historic numbers. Exact numbers on Golden Eagle populations are scarce to come by but, there have been an estimated 100,000 to 200,000eagles globally and roughly 500 of those are in California.
After the first couple of months, the young eagles have grown too large for their parents to brood, during this time they have molted enough to receive their first adult feathers. These juveniles become stay-at-home kids with their parents where they are cared for while growing into mature eagles. As the young eagles begin to venture off, they may stay close to their parents’ territory until they are fully mature in five years.
Like all creatures, the golden eagle must endure the challenges life throws their way. They have adapted to conditions around the world and took over their niches. However, due to drastic changes in the environment caused by humans, Golden Eagle populations are in decline. In the past ranchers villainized the Golden Eagle, along with other predatory birds, and claimed the birds to be the cause for the loss of livestock. As a consequence, thousands of Golden Eagles were poached directly and were indirectly harmed by poisoned traps laid out for varmints.
In indigenous cultures across North America, the Golden Eagle is revered. Oral histories tell that the Golden Eagle is said to be a messenger of The Creator and protector of the People. To this day, eagle feathers are used in ceremonies and rituals. From graduations to naming ceremonies, the Golden Eagle still holds a special place in the world it has helped make.