The golden eagle is one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring birds of prey, known for its incredible wingspan and hunting skills. Found mainly in Scotland, this bird has a long history in the UK, but its population has declined over the years. However, conservation efforts are being made to reintroduce golden eagles to areas where they once thrived, such as Wales.
Physical Characteristics of the Golden Eagle
Golden eagles are large birds with a wingspan of up to 7 feet (2.2 meters). They have longer wings and tails than their close relative, the white-tailed eagle. Their appearance changes as they grow:
- Adults have dark brown feathers with a striking golden hue on their head and neck.
- Juveniles have distinctive white patches on their wings and at the base of their tail.
These birds are not only impressive in size but also in strength. A golden eagle can lift up to 11 pounds (5 kg), making it one of the most powerful birds of prey.
Hunting and Diet
Golden eagles are top predators in the Scottish countryside. They primarily hunt rabbits and mountain hares, but they are also known to prey on:
- Foxes
- Larger birds such as grouse
- Carrion (dead animals) when food is scarce
In some Central Asian cultures, golden eagles were even used to hunt and kill wolves, showcasing their incredible strength and hunting skills.
Habitat and Nesting
Golden eagles prefer remote, mountainous regions with open landscapes for hunting. They build their nests, known as eyries, on:
- Rocky cliff faces
- Tall trees in isolated areas
These birds are monogamous and tend to stay with the same mate for life. They also defend large home territories, ensuring they have enough space and food. The average lifespan of a golden eagle is around 23 years in the wild.
The Decline of Golden Eagles in the UK
Golden eagles were once widespread across the UK, but their population declined drastically in the 19th century due to:
- Human persecution – Farmers believed golden eagles were a threat to their livestock.
- Pesticide use – Chemicals weakened eggshells and caused infertility.
- Habitat changes – Land use modifications affected their natural environment.
The last truly wild golden eagles disappeared from England and Wales over 150 years ago, with the last breeding pair recorded in Snowdonia, Wales.
Golden Eagles in Scotland Today
Currently, golden eagles are mostly found in Scotland, particularly in:
- Northern and western Scotland
- Remote glens and upland areas
Despite their presence in Scotland, they still face threats such as illegal persecution, with an estimated 30-40 birds killed each year due to poisoning and other means. Fortunately, conservation efforts and the ban on harmful pesticides have helped stabilize their population.
The Last Golden Eagle in Wales
Interestingly, the last golden eagle seen in Wales was a female that escaped captivity over 10 years ago. She settled in the Cambrian Mountains and lived in the wild for 12 years before passing away at the age of 15-16 years.
Her survival in the wild without human assistance proved that Wales could support golden eagles, inspiring discussions on reintroducing the species to the country.
Reintroducing Golden Eagles to Wales
Successful reintroduction projects have already taken place in Ireland, where golden eagles bred for the first time in over 100 years in 2018. Inspired by this success, Wilder Britain has proposed a plan to bring golden eagles back to Wales.
Reintroduction Plan:
- Location: Snowdonia, Wales
- Number of birds: 10 (5 males and 5 females)
- Source: Scandinavia and Central Europe
- Tracking: Each bird will have GPS tracking to monitor movements and nesting habits
- Timeline: The project was planned to begin as early as summer 2021, pending approval
Concerns About Reintroduction
Some farmers worry that golden eagles might hunt livestock, especially lambs, since their natural prey, mountain hares, are scarce in Wales. To address this, Wilder Britain plans to reintroduce mountain hares as well, ensuring a sustainable food source for the eagles.
The golden eagle is a symbol of strength and resilience, with a long history in the UK. Although their numbers have declined due to human activity, conservation efforts are helping to restore their population.
The successful reintroduction in Ireland offers hope for Wales and other parts of the UK. If carefully planned, bringing golden eagles back to Wales could enrich the country’s biodiversity and create new opportunities for wildlife tourism. With proper conservation efforts, the golden eagle may once again soar over the mountains of Wales.
FAQ’s
Where can golden eagles be found in the UK?
Golden eagles are mainly found in Scotland, particularly in northern and western regions, where they thrive in remote mountainous areas.
Why did golden eagles disappear from England and Wales?
Golden eagles disappeared due to human persecution, habitat loss, and pesticide use, which affected their ability to breed and survive in the wild.
How big are golden eagles?
Golden eagles have a wingspan of up to 7 feet (2.2 meters) and can lift prey weighing up to 11 pounds (5 kg), making them one of the largest birds of prey.
Are golden eagles being reintroduced to Wales?
Yes, conservationists plan to reintroduce golden eagles to Wales, particularly in Snowdonia, using birds from Scandinavia and Central Europe.
What do golden eagles eat?
Golden eagles primarily eat rabbits and mountain hares but can also hunt foxes, large birds like grouse, and occasionally feed on carrion.
