Golden eagle - bird of high mountains

On the territory of Russia, in its remotest corners, in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, the Sayans and Altai, a golden eagle resides - a majestic and graceful bird. Small habitats are also seen in the southern part of the Far East, but there are fewer eagle populations there. It can be found all over the world: in Europe, Asia, North America and North-West Africa. However , the bird is listed in the International Red Book as a rare endangered species.

The golden eagle is a bird of impressive size. The body length reaches 1 meter, and the wing size is 60-70 cm, large individuals weigh from 3 to 6 kg. Females are usually larger than males and weigh more. Plumage of a beautiful brown color with interspersed red and light marble in the area of the tail and abdomen. The beak is dark, hooked, bent down, paws yellow with sharp black claws. This species belongs to the Hawk family. The bird of the golden eagle (photo above) is the largest eagle, predator, hunting all sorts of game.

As a victim, he often chooses himself rabbits, foxes, martens, gophers, young roe deer, sometimes encroaching on livestock. In a hungry time the golden eagle is able to feed on carrion, and also to hunt for mice, squirrels, reptiles. The couple build their nests in woodlands, in the most impenetrable thickets or on a cliff, in an inaccessible place. This predator does not like fuss, other people's interference and neighborhood with someone. They lead, in the main, a sedentary lifestyle, but the individuals inhabiting the northeastern part of Siberia migrate to warmer regions for the winter. Also, young birds often wander.

A bird of prey forms a pair for life: these huge eagles are devoted to each other, one family nest serves as a common home for several years. It should be noted that the size of this housing is impressive. In him, a man could live peacefully, because the nest diameter reaches 3 meters, and the height is 2 meters! Made a nest of sturdy tree branches, twigs and brushwood. In it in the beginning of March there is a laying of eggs, consisting of 1-3 pieces. The color of the shell is dirty white with brown mottled. The female cares for posterity, incubates eggs 43-45 days, sometimes it is replaced by the father of the family. At the end of spring, the eagle appears, completely helpless and completely dependent on the care and attention of parents - fluffy white chicks. In 75-80 days, the grown-up chicks stand on the wing. Young fledged individuals in the first year of life are darker than their parents, sometimes they appear black at all. Its permanent color is acquired only on the 5th-6th year of life.

A golden eagle is a bird with acute eyesight. Hare, for example, he is able to see for 4 km. In addition, it is also the fastest predator from the squad Falcon. Its flight is easy, maneuverable, graceful, the speed when diving develops up to 100 km / h. Despite its size, the golden eagle is a very active bird, and most of its life is devoted to hunting. Habitats and density of settlement depend on the availability of food in the area, but the main reason for the decline in the population remains a person.

As a result of massive deforestation, the use of pesticides, urbanization, the area suitable for housing is sharply reduced. For this reason, part of the territories populated by golden eagles is declared a protected area, and the bird itself is protected in many countries.