Golden eagle: Golden nape, 200 km/h dive

The golden eagle takes its name from the tuft of golden feathers on its nape that shines like metal in sunlight. It is one of the most widespread eagles of the Northern Hemisphere and a very important totem bird in steppe cultures. Let's meet this "golden master of the air".

Its body

The golden eagle is large, with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 metres. Its most distinctive feature is those nape feathers that gleam gold in the sun — the source of its name. Its eyes are sharp enough to see prey on the ground from high up, and its broad, powerful wings suit long soaring and fast dives. Its strong talons are its main hunting weapon.

How it hunts

The golden eagle hunts with a spectacular routine: it circles high, marking its target with superb eyesight; then it folds its wings and dives like an arrow, reaching well over two hundred kilometres an hour; at the moment of the strike, all eight talons close at once with a grip stronger than a human hand. It feeds mainly on hares, marmots, small mammals and birds.

Its place in human culture

Many countries have a tradition of training golden eagles, especially on the steppes, where hunters once used them to help hunt. That is why the golden eagle became a totem bird of grassland cultures, appearing on flags, emblems and in stories as a symbol of strength and freedom.

A note for grown-ups

You could imagine with a child just how fast two hundred kilometres an hour is — far faster than a car. Let them feel the speed, then wonder why it needs to be that fast: to catch prey that runs quickly. When watching birds of prey, keep your distance; binoculars are the best way to look.