By: Arsia Jannat, age 9
Most people are familiar with the bald eagle, but do you know about the golden eagle? So, here is the difference: The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States, while the golden eagle isn’t. The golden eagle is distinguished from the bald eagle by its bill size and color, as well as the color of its wing and tail feathers. The wingspan of the golden eagle is 6.2 to 7.4 feet. Golden eagles hatch only one to three eggs per nesting season and can live for 30 years, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Golden eagles see better than a human. They have really good vision! It helps them hunt. According to the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, “Golden eagles have large eyes that take up most of the space of the eagle’s head.”
Golden eagles eat rodents, rabbits, birds, and reptiles! Golden eagles hunt by working with each other. One eagle carries the prey and brings it to its partner. Teamwork makes the dream work, even with eagles! They kill the prey with their talons. Then they have a delicious lunch. Crunchy!
According to the NYSDEC, “During the 1950s, an estimated 20,000 eagles were destroyed by ranchers.” The population of golden eagles decreased a lot because of its habitat loss and disturbance. Fortunately, golden eagles became a protected species in 1963.
Today, the golden eagle population continues to be at risk because of humans shooting them and disturbing nest sites. Also, golden eagles have a difficult time finding food because of habitat loss. It’s important to protect these eagles, everyone!
