Are Golden Eagles Rare?
There are an estimated 85,000 to 160,000 mature golden eagles globally, and their population has been stable in North America for over 40 years. And while these birds have a relatively large and stable population, this species is solitary and tends to stay away from humans. The golden eagle is not common and a rare sight to see! However, you have a better chance of spotting one in Alaska, Canada, or the western half of the United States. You will most often find them in more remote areas near grasslands. Look to the tops of trees or cliff ledges where they build their nests.
Are Golden Eagles Endangered?
The IUCN lists the golden eagle as LC or “least concern.” This species has an extensive range and a relatively large, stable population. Therefore, it does not meet the thresholds for a “threatened” or “endangered” status. However, the golden eagle faces several threats and has been heavily persecuted since the 19th century. And although this threat is nowhere near as significant as it was, these eagles are still deliberately shot, poisoned, and trapped. They also have high exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in the U.S., and electrocution from power lines is one of the leading causes of mortality in North America. In California, wind energy developments can lead to collisions and future habitat loss. Other future threats include a reduced food supply and climate change.
Where Can You Find Golden Eagles?
The golden eagle has a broad range and occurs on four continents: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It primarily inhabits the northern hemisphere and rarely does it ever reach far southern regions. In North America, golden eagles have breeding grounds throughout Canada and Alaska, and they are common year-round residents in parts of the United States and Mexico. Most populations are permanent in their environments in Eurasia. It lives year-round through much of its Northern European habitats and East through Russia to the Bering Sea. They also inhabit a large portion of Southern Europe, Central and South Asia, and North Africa. There are populations as far south as Myanmar, Oman, and Ethiopia. In Europe, they are more prevalent in Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Spain, Romania, Switzerland, and Portugal. It lives in significant portions of Asia, including most of the Middle East and as far east as China, North and South Korea, and Japan. And in Africa, you can find it in the northernmost portions of the continent, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Mauritania, Algeria, Mali, and Niger.
Where Can Golden Eagles Be Found in the U.S.?
Breeding golden eagles from Canada and Alaska migrate south to the lower 48 states (primarily the eastern half) to spend their winters. You can find these migrating populations in the Eastern and Mid-Western United States from Late August through April. A significant percentage of golden eagles live year-round in the western half of the U.S. and Northern Mexico. It’s relatively common to see these eagles in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Are There Golden Eagles in the U.K.?
The best place to see golden eagles in the United Kingdom is across most of Scotland, including the Highlands and the Inner and Outer Hebrides. There are also smaller populations near the Galloway Forest Park and Northwest England at the Lake District National Park. Golden eagles are the top predators of the Scottish countryside, and you can find them in upland forests and remote glens, soaring high in the sky as it looks for mountain hares, grouse, and young deer.
Where Is the Best Place To See Golden Eagles?
Golden eagles are most common in the western half of North America, specifically Canada, the United States, and Northern Mexico. Look for them in open areas near tall trees and cliff ledges, where they build their nests. They hunt in open grasslands, agricultural areas, and desert scrubs near hills, cliffs, and mountains. They soar high in the sky as they search for their prey below. And while they have their favorite habitats, you can also spot them in coniferous forests and areas along rivers and streams during winter. Overall, their habitats vary greatly and entirely depend on prey availability. They need open to semi-open areas with places for perching, nesting, and roosting.
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