Golden Eagle

 

Linnaean Classification: Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Aves, Falconiformes, Accipitridae, Aquila chrysaetos

 

Regulator because a golden eagle is a warm-blooded animal, as all other birds, and can use energy to control its internal conditions.

 

Migration because some golden eagles migrate, but others do not-depending on the conditions of their geographic isolation. Alaskan and Canadian eagles typically fly south in the fall, for example, while birds that live in the western continental U.S. tend to remain in their ranges year-round.

 

Generalist because golden eagles are able to eat a variety of food supplies such as small to medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marrots. Eagles are also capable of taking larger bird and mammal prey, including, cranes, swans, deer, and domestic livestock. Golden Eagle can also live in open and semi-open country featuring native vegetation across most of the Northern Hemisphere.

 

Consumer because the golden eagle cannot make its own food as a heterotroph and must get its food from other organisms.

 

Carnivore because the golden eagle preys on other organisms including small to medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots. These eagles are also capable of taking larger bird and mammal prey, including cranes, swans, deer, and domestic livestock. They have even been observed killing seals, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyotes, badgers, and bobcats. In addition to live prey, Golden Eagles often feed on carrion, following crows and other scavengers to a meal. They also catch fish, rob nests, and steal food from other birds.

 

Niche: The Golden Eagle tends to feed on medium-sized rodents as well as rabbits, hares, reptiles, carrion, and even birds, particularly game birds. The Golden Eagle requires an open habitat and prefers mountainous areas but can also live in wetlands. It has very few predators, except for humans. They prey on caribou and even young sheep as well as fish and even deer. Golden Eagles can start breeding between 4-7 years of age and will often reproduce two offspring in winter or early spring. However, most of the time only one egg survives. They often live with their mate and offspring in large nests consisting of heavy branches.