The golden eagle is the largest bird of prey in North America. It is also the national bird of Mexico.
It lives in Asia, Europe, and North Africa too. The female is much bigger than the male.
Wings stretch from about 6 to 7.3 feet. One measurement reaches almost 8 feet.
Females can reach about 14 pounds.
Strength is not just a matter of pounds.
In a dive it goes faster than 150 mph (240 km/h). That is more than twice a typical interstate speed limit.
How does it hunt?
It drops at speed and grabs prey with sharp talons, the claws on its feet. Usual meals are rabbits, marmots, and ground squirrels.
It also eats carrion, animals already dead, plus reptiles, birds, fish, and large insects.
Sometimes it attacks a full-grown deer.
The nest is huge. A pair may return for several breeding seasons.
Both parents sit on the eggs. The young take flight after about three months.
In the wild, life averages 30 years.
A deer is far heavier than the hunter.
The hunter still dives at it.
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