Description
• One of the largest and most powerful birds of prey, weighing as much as
5.9 kilograms, with wingspan over two metres
• Golden-brown feathers on back of neck, head and upper wings; rest of body is dark brown
• Nests in remote, undisturbed ledges of cliffs and large trees
Range
• Widespread distribution in North America
• Recent reports indicate only six pairs nest in northern Ontario (Hudson Bay Lowlands)
• Difficult to monitor population as nesting sites are remote
Threats
• Habitat disturbance
• Human persecution
• Electrocution on power lines
• Collisions with wind turbines
• Chemicals and toxins in prey
Protection
• Provincially protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007
Fact
Currently there are believed to be only 10 to 20 pairs in the province.
I saw one of these near the municipal waste depot (dump) in Elliot Lake, Ontario. I’m wondering if I should report this.
Hi Anita,
What an incredibly lucky sighting!
You could either report your golden eagle sighting to ebird or iNaturalist.
Noah