- Golden eagles select a tall tree or a cliff to construct a large stick nest. The female weaves the smaller twigs and softer materials on top of a platform made of larger branches, creating a comfortable cup. Both parents take turns adding materials and maintaining the nest.
Incubation:
- After laying up to three eggs (although typically one or two), the female primarily incubates them (about 45 days). The male eagle provides her with food during this period.
Feeding and Provisioning:
- Once hatched, the eaglets are altricial, meaning they are helpless and rely entirely on their parents' care. Both parents bring food, often prey they've captured while soaring or perched high in the sky.
- The male eagle typically provides larger prey items, which the female further breaks down into smaller, edible pieces for the eaglets.
Brooding and Shelter:
- In the initial weeks, the female stays with the eaglets, brooding them to provide warmth and protection from harsh elements. The male eagle continues to deliver a constant supply of food.
Fledging and Learning to Fly:
- Between 2 and 3 months old, the eaglets begin to exercise their wings and make short flights. The adults encourage and guide them to develop flying abilities.
Sibling Rivalry:
- Unfortunately, sibling rivalry is common in golden eagle nests, as the older eaglet may exhibit aggressive behavior toward the younger ones. In extreme cases, the younger sibling might not survive, but usually, the parents ensure fair feeding opportunities for both eaglets.
Parental Care and Protection:
- The parents continue to bring food and watch over their young until they become fully independent. In some cases, the family group might stay together for several months before the juveniles disperse and claim territories of their own.
Hunting Training:
- The parent eagles teach their offspring hunting techniques and skills, such as catching live prey, soaring, diving, and perching.
Gradual Independence:
- As the young golden eagles become more proficient at flying and hunting, the parents gradually reduce the frequency of food provisioning. This encourages the juveniles to become self-sufficient.