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.

The golden eagle hunts by soaring through the sky while watching for prey with its extremely sharp eyes. When it spots it’s prey, it will dive down at high speed in what is called a stoop, striking the prey with its talons first. The golden eagle can hit its prey at a speed of 320 km/h.

The golden eagle’s claws are its lethal weapon. Its beak is its cutlery and only used for eating. The beak’s curved shape makes it an effective tool for tearing off meat.

This article has been written by Bjørn Henrik Stavdal Johansen, a nature guide at Visitor Centre Carnivore Flå.