Tyler

=Golden Eagle-Aquila chrysaetos = [|1][|2][|3]

--__Natural Habitat__--
The Golden Eagle makes its home amidst rugged terrain of the Northern Hemisphere. From the mountain ranges to prairie coulees, the Golden Eagle will only be found where the terrain provides updrafts that it uses in flight. It is the most widely distributed of all eagles, ranging from North America, Europe, northern Africa and Asia. Biotic factors- diet of small grass eating animals Abiotic factors- rugged terrain, soil, updrafts to assist in flight etc.

**--__Niche__--** Diet- Groundhogs, marmots, foxes, skunks, cats, rabbits, grouse, ground squirrels, crows, pheasants, meadowlarks, tortoises, and snakes. Predators- only humans are known to kill this bird Housing Requirements- normally preferring to nest in rocky craggs and on cliff faces, the Golden eagle will build a nest in a tree. They return to the same nesting site annually. Climate varies, seeing as the Golden eagle has been known to roam as far south as Mexico and as far north as Alaska. Reproduction- typically females lay one to four eggs, only one or two newborns survive the first 3 months. Living habits- normally solitary, will sometimes live with its partner, which is usually the same for its entire life. = --__Why is it Endangered?__-- = habitat destruction, illegal shooting, pesticides and poisoning, loss of undisturbed habitat.

Measures to protect- killing is illegal, possession of the bird, alive or dead, is prohibited without a permit which is only given for cultural or scientific purposes.

Population- there are estimated to be 79,900 birds in North America currently, representing 47% of the global population

@http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle7.html @http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id @http://www.peregrinefund.org/Explore_Raptors/eagles/goldeagl.html