Golden Eagles - Western Isles Bird Sightings
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Golden Eagle - Isle of Lewis - Western Isles October 2009
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(Click Image for Larger Pictures) |
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Golden Eagle - Luskentyre
Ref:GOLD1000 |
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Golden Eagle - Western Isles
Ref:GOLD1001 |
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Golden Eagle - Hebrides
Ref:GOLD1002 |
We spotted this majestic bird flying over our heads on the Luskentyre road - just a little way from the beach - pity we weren't closer - Jun 2009 |
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This golden eagle seen Luskentyre is actually in heavy moult which is why the tail is much shorter than usual |
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Another view of the majestic golden eagle at Luskentyre - Outer Hebrides. |
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Golden Eagle - Western Isles
Ref:GOLD4000 |
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Golden Eagle - Western Isles
Ref:GOLD2000 |
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Golden Eagle - Western Isles
Ref:GOLD3000 |
November 2009 - Isle of Harris - Huisinis - Not really a very good picture - but you can see the overall shape and the powerful wings |
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This golden eagle seen South Lochs was magnificent in flight. Perhaps a juvenile maybe 2nd winter - judging by the amount of white on its wings - I am told - Oct 2009 |
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This golden eagle seen Bernera - Western Isles Jan 2010 |
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White Tailed Eagle - Western Isles
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This is a white tailed eagle - Britains largest bird of prey. Even larger than the golden eagles
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| Bird Overview - Golden Eagles |
Family |
Hawks, Vultures, Eagles |
Latin name |
Aquila chrysaetos |
Population |
Scarce in England
442 Breeding pairs in Scotland
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Similar Species |
White Tailed Eagle
Buzzard
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Description |
Adult golden eagles are a uniform brown colour with a paler brown head, but juveniles have a white patch on the base of the tail and on the underside of the wings. They have a square tail and fully-feathered legs. |
Size |
Body length: 79-88cm, Wingspan: 190-227cm, Weight: 3-6kg. Females are much larger than the males. Females can be up to ¼ larger than males.
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Habitat |
These large raptors prefer mountainous, often treeless, habitats, although they require large trees or rock faces for nesting.
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Food |
Golden eagles hunt medium-sized mammals, such as rodents, rabbits, hares and young deer. They also hunt birds (particularly grouse), and occasionally feed on reptiles. They often feed on carrion (particularly sheep and lambs).
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Voice |
Golden eagles are not very vocal but they will sometimes emit a barking call or a twee-o cry.
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Breeding |
These birds build huge nests to which they may return for several breeding years. Females lay1-4 eggs, and both parents incubate them for 40 to 45 days. Typically, one or two young survive to fledge in about three months.. |
Misc. Info |
The golden eagles are extremely swift and agile - they dive upon their quarry at speeds of more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) per hour. Golden eagles use their speed and sharp talons to snatch up rabbits, ground squirrels and similar etc.. These birds are protected by law. THese birds have exceptionally good eyesight. THey can live up to 32 years. |
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Western Isles Birds - Sightings |
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