About golden eagles

The golden eagle is our second-largest bird of prey and is regarded as one of Norway’s five large wild predators. You can find out everything worth knowing about golden eagles here!

Foto: Roger Brendhagen.

Golden eagle facts

Latin: Aquila chrysaetos.
Family: Haukefamilien.
Wingspan: about 2 metres.
Weight: 4 – 5 kg.
Breeding season: February – May.
Number of young: 2 per brood.
Life span: 20 – 30 years.
Max. speed: 320 km/h.

Download golden eagle factsheet.

Eagle track

Eagle tracks are rarely found, as eagles spend more time in the air than on the ground. Its tracks are typical of a bird, but note the long talons.

How does the golden eagle live?

The golden eagle’s life is not entirely unlike that of the wolf. That is because, like wolves, golden eagles live together in a relationship that lasts their whole lives.

What does the golden eagle eat?

The golden eagle hunts medium-sized mammals and birds. Landfowl, hares, red foxes and carcasses are their most important food sources. But reindeer calves and lambs may also be eaten by golden eagles.

Where does the golden eagle live?

In Norway, we have golden eagles across most of the country, particularly in the vicinity of mountains, although they can also live in forests.

How many golden eagles do we have?

Unlike with the other predators, we have no precise numbers for Norway’s golden eagle population, but there are estimated to be between 800 and 1,200 nesting pairs.

Golden eagles and livestock

The golden eagle is frequently blamed for killing livestock, but it is very difficult to tell whether an animal has been killed by a golden eagle or the eagle just helped itself to a carcass.