RSPB Scotland's Allie McGregor talks about the majestic golden eagle
Iolair bhuidhe: The golden eagle
Before you see a golden eagle, you know it will be something special. You might have read about it, seen some footage on tv, or perhaps even grabbed some measuring tape to see how your arm span compares to the wingspan of this impressive creature. It is no surprise it has long been regarded a symbol of power and majesty.
Nothing is ever as good as it’s hyped up to be... the golden eagle is better
Whether it’s soaring overhead or elegantly perched observing all that might be below, there is no doubt the golden eagle is a beautiful and impressive creature. Its wingspan can be over 2 metres long and its golden head is almost like a golden crown. They will principally be found amongst the mountains and along rugged coast, habitat as dramatic as they are. Amongst the best places to see them in Scotland are the Cairngorms and the Hebrides.
Adult golden eagles occupy a large ‘home range’ where they build their nests and hunt. They might be seen establishing their territory by soaring about at any time of year, but from around February to May they make this point particularly spectacularly. It seems everything the golden eagle does has to be on a huge scale and their nests are no different. Known as an ‘eyrie’ the nests can get up to around 3 metres across if made in a tree, while those on cliffs will still be over a metre! The eagles are very loyal, often having a life-long monogamous bond. Each year they will add to the nest making it even more impressive in size. The largest nest ever found in Scotland had been used for an incredible 45 years.
Despite being powerful and awe inspiring, these birds face many threats. One of the main constraints is food availability, many birds rely on carrion, especially in the winter months. Sadly, a key threat for these amazing birds is illegal persecution. Historically golden eagles suffered from widespread killing, but a small population managed to hold on in Scotland. In the 50s and 60s the birds also suffered from the use of pesticides which caused infertility and eggshell thinning. The banning of these, alongside strong conservation measures, helped to recover the population somewhat. The golden eagle has been protected since 1954, but illegal persecution is still a serious issue, and we need to continue to tackle it to protect this awe-inspiring bird.
You can learn even more about the golden eagle on our website