Golden Eagle

golden eagle, photo credit: H Tuller

Provincially Endangered

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.

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