Taxonomy
Aquila chrysaetos | Golden Eagle | Iolar firéan
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
Species Biology
Identification
One of Ireland’s largest raptors
(only outmatched by the White Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus
albicilla)).
Length of 75-88 cm with a
wingspan of up to 220 cm.
Males are typically smaller at
around 3-5kg with the larger females weighing upwards of 6kg in some
individuals.
Adults are a dark brown colour
with a pale patch on the upperwing and some barring on the tail.
The Golden Eagle gets its name
from the golden colour of its head (may not be visible from far away).
Diet
The Golden Eagle will prey on a
range of animals from mammals such as rabbits and foxes to birds such as grouse,
crows and seagulls.
In addition to capturing and
killing prey, the Golden Eagle feeds on carrion, should the opportunity arise.
Habitat
In Ireland, Golden Eagles are
commonly seen in upland areas.
Reproduction
This species will typically have
a clutch of 2 eggs with an incubation period of 43-45 days.
The young will fledge after 65-70
days.
This species can live up to 23
years.
Conservation actions
The Golden Eagle has been re-introduced
into Donegal in recent years. While some breeding success has been recorded
since their re-introduction, significant limiting factors such as poisoning and
shooting of individuals and insufficient habitat quality are an ongoing issue
to date (Golden Eagle Trust Ireland, 2013).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Native distribution
In Europe, an estimated
7900-10,000 pairs exist.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
Golden Eagle Trust: https://www.goldeneagle.ie
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/golden-eagle/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/golden-eagle/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob2960.htm
References
Publications
Golden Eagle Trust Ireland, 2013. GE Project Updates. [online] Available at: <https://www.goldeneagle.ie/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&layout=category&Itemid=108> [Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].