Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus)

Identification: It is a very large bird measuring about 90-100 cm. in length.It has a dark brown plumage, accompanied by a golden or tawny rufous hind neck. The colour of plumage on the thigh, upper and under tail coverts and shoulders is rufous brown. It has a fast and graceful flight. From underneath, the white tail (in juveniles) is less noticeable, but bold white lines extend along the base of flight feathers. The eyes are dark brown in colour.

Habitat: It is found in desolate, rugged, high mountains that have crags and crevices; and sparse, stunted vegetation.

Distribution: It is a resident bird of Balochistan, NWFP and Punjab and has also been recorded in winter from Cape Monze, Malir area and Kirthar Hills in Sindh.

Breeding: It breeds between January to March and lays 2 eggs per clutch.

Food: It feeds mainly on pigeons, snow cock, monal, etc.; and small mammals like martens, marmots, hares, flying squirrels and foxes.

Status: Scarce