Golden eagle: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Golden eagle eggs hatch after 41–45 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 66–80 days and are weaned and independent at about 150–180 days. A typical clutch is 2 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 2500-6700 |
| Male weight (g) | 2500-4500 |
| Female weight (g) | 3600-6700 |
| Length (cm) | 66-102 |
| Wing chord (mm) | m 570-640, f 620-720 |
| Clutch size | 2 (1-3) |
| Incubation (days) | 41-45 |
| Fledging (days) | 66-80 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | ~150-180 |
| Lifespan (years) | 20-30 (captive 40+) |
| Breeding season | Wild: lays Jan-April (Arabia earliest). Captive: Feb-March; slow to mature (4-5 years). |
| Sexing | Female larger; DNA. |
| Moult | Moult spread over 2-3 years; partial each summer. |
| Quarry | Hare, fox, gazelle historically; wolves with Kazakh berkutchi. |
| Gulf heat tolerance | 3/5 - local race in Arabian mountains, but large birds need shade. |
| Temperament | Powerful, potentially dangerous to handlers; needs very experienced falconer. |
| Disease prevention | Prevention: lead poisoning (shot carcasses) is a major risk; bumblefoot; aspergillosis. Vet for treatment. |
| Identification features | Huge dark brown eagle with golden nape, fully feathered legs, juvenile with white wing patches and white tail base with dark band. |
Origin: Northern hemisphere — Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
Size: 66-102 cm, 2500-6700 g
Breeding and care tips
The most powerful hunting bird, used in Central Asia for foxes and wolves. Rare in Gulf falconry; needs great experience and large aviaries.
Description
Large dark brown eagle with golden nape feathers.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Gyrfalcon
- Saker falcon
- Peregrine falcon
- Barbary falcon
- Lanner falcon
- Laggar lugger falcon
- Prairie falcon
- Aplomado falcon
Frequently asked questions
How long do Golden eagle eggs take to hatch?
Golden eagle eggs hatch after 41-45 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Golden eagle lay?
Usually 2 (1-3) eggs per clutch.
When do Golden eagle chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 66-80 days old.
When are Golden eagle chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about ~150-180 days.
What is the Golden eagle breeding season?
Wild: lays Jan-April (Arabia earliest). Captive: Feb-March; slow to mature (4-5 years).
How do you tell a male Golden eagle from a female?
Female larger; DNA.
How long does a Golden eagle live?
About 20-30 (captive 40+) years with good care.