Scottish Raptor Groups - The Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is an exciting and rewarding bird to study. There is always something new, surprising and unexpected awaiting the patient watcher. Quite simply, because of their size, the wide variations in individual markings, and the fact that they occupy defined and well-defended ranges, it is possible to recognise and follow particular eagles. They are long-lived birds which remain loyal to their partners for life, and can be together for as long as 20 - 30 years. By getting to know several pairs, perhaps in neighbouring ranges, you may build up a picture of Golden Eagle behaviour in general, and realise how much individuals can vary.

Eagle ranges vary in size and extent, depending on the topography and the density of established ranges. Some pairs nest in seemingly impregnable situations at high altitude, soaring at great height over mountain ranges where live prey is in scant supply. Others inhabit areas of undulating moorland, where food is more plentiful but nest sites are more accessible on low crags or in trees. Yet others inhabit coastal cliffs, formerly the haunt of sea eagles. Their nest sites are often on ledges exposed to gales, where they may be blown out over winter, but there are compensations in the easy pickings of sea bird and rabbit colonies along the coastal fringes.

There is no best time to watch Golden Eagles as they are resident on territory all year round. Winter is a good time to observe ranging behaviour when birds are busy defending their range from neighbouring pairs as well as wandering juveniles and immatures. Nest building often begins in winter, and by early spring pre-breeding is well underway with an increase in territorial displays and nest preparation. The breeding season lasts for several months, with incubation taking around six weeks, and eaglets fledging at about ten weeks old. The ensuing period, when young birds are on the wing and learning to hunt under guidance from their parents, is another enthralling time for the enthusiast.

The Scottish Golden Eagle population remains stable and healthy. In the 2003 national survey, co-ordinated by RSPB and raptor study groups across Scotland, 442 pairs were located, a slight increase overall on the previous survey in 1992. However, there has been a decline in the eastern Highlands, where much suitable habitat on grouse moors remains unoccupied, it is thought due to illegal persecution. Over the last five years Scottish raptor workers have assisted in the collection of eagle chicks to send to Donegal under the Irish Golden Eagle Re-introduction Project. As singles taken from nests with twins, these pioneers are already attempting to breed, and will hopefully re-colonise the areas where Golden Eagles once bred before they were made extinct by persecution.

Ken Crane and Kate Nellist

Further Reading:

Crane,K. & Nellist, K.1999 Island Eagles - 20 years observing Golden Eagles on the Isle of Skye. Cartwheeling Press, Skye.

Gordon, Seton. 1927 Days with the Golden Eagle. Reprinted by Whittle Publishing 2003.

Watson, Jeff. 1997 The Golden Eagle T & AD Poyser, London.

Dennis, R.H., Ellis, P.M., Broad, R.A., Langslow, D.R., 1984. The status of the Golden Eagle in Britain. British Birds 77, 562-607.

Green, R.E., 1996. The status of the Golden Eagle in Britain in 1992. Bird Study 43, 20-27.

Eaton, M.A., Dillon, I.A., Stirling-Aird, P.K., Whitfield, D.P. The status of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrystaetos in Britain in 2003. Bird Study. In press.