Golden Eagle

Golden Eagles are large, brown eagles that have a pale golden wash on the back of the head and neck; the tail is faintly banded. In young birds, the tail is white at the base and black at the tip. Although usually silent, the call of the golden eagle is a high-pitched "kee-kee-kee" or a high scream or squeal. The breeding range of this bird is from Alaska east across northern Canada, including British Columbia, and south to Mexico; they winter in the southern part of the breeding range. Golden eagles occur in mountain forests and open grasslands and in any habitat during migration. The golden eagle preys on jackrabbits, large rodents, snakes and carrion. 1-4 unmarked or lightly speckled whitish eggs are lain in a large mass of sticks placed on a rocky ledge or in a tall tree.

General issues across the Sub Region will be addressed below, followed by management plans specific to individual populations.

Issues:

• Limited numbers
• Vultures are moving north into Golden Eagle territory and may be increasing competition and disease transfer
• There may be herbicide spraying in regions in the Sub Region that may be affecting birds that eat or depend on the sprayed plants

Goals:

• Implement studies to determine population dynamics and threats
• Determine where and when herbicide spraying occurs, and what plant species are being treated
• Determine if the herbicide spraying is affecting golden eagle populations