One of the largest birds of prey, The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has many impressive stories in human culture, the symbol of strength, courage, independence, faith and the most respected bird of many countries around the world. In Mongolia, the golden eagle is used as hunting bird by Kazakh nation in the western part of the country and sure the wild ones are soaring in the sky and can be occurred in most areas. Here we share facts and details about this magnificent raptor.
Appearance of Golden Eagle
the Golden is with brown feather and longer dark barred tail. Most individuals have light colored patch on top wing-coverts. Juveniles are lighter colored, and over time the whiteness is transformed into brown. The final coloration is reached around 5-6 years of age. Females are larger and heavier than males.
- Body length: 66-102cm (26-40in)
- Wingspan: 1,9-2,3m (6-7,5ft)
- Tail length: 26,5-38cm (10,4-15in)
- Body mass: females: 3,2-6,5kg (7,0-14 lb), males: 2,5-4,0 kg (5,5-8,90 lb)
- Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild, 40-45 years in captivity
Geographic Range and Habitat in Mongolia
The golden eagle is regular resident of Mongolia, wild ones mostly resides among rocks and high peaks up to 3000 m above sea level.
But depends on its geographic location of life they can be occurred in a wide range of largely open habitats. For trained hunter eagles, during the captivity, they live with human in their dwelling.
Behavior and Breeding
Golden eagles nestle on cliffs, in large trees or similar artificial structures. Nests are constructed from sticks and are added to in successive years, growing to 2m in diameter. The breeding season spans March – August throughout the majority of its range, and in southern areas begins as early as November; whilst in the most northerly regions it will start as late as April. Female lays eggs in March or April, incubation lasts 43-45 days.
After about three months the offspring feathers, being able to fly after about two months. Sometimes, the older and stronger one kills the younger, or younger dies for hunger, the most threat for eaglets are overheating.
The Diet of Golden Eagle
The golden eagle eats small mammals, usually 0.5-4.0 kg of prey, such as foxes, minks, hares and sometimes catch small birds and depending on its habitat, they eat fish.
They hunt in pairs and small group when in the wild, without human master.
Falconry or Hunting with Golden Eagles
For several thousand years, the golden eagle has been used as a hunting bird by Kazakh and Kyrgyz people in central Asia. But this tradition was getting disappeared during… ages. In present time, western Mongolian Kazakh minority practice and keep their ancestors’ eagle hunting traditions in its classical form.
They also make a thrilling event called Golden Eagle Festival every year in Sagsai village and Ulgii town in west Mongolia. One of the most experienced eagle hunters, the descendent of Kazakh eagle hunting master, Boshai Dalaikhan says “Then there were only a few old hunters. But now, thanks to tourism more young people are becoming eagle hunters. “
