The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, it has dark-brown plumage with a golden-brown crown and nape, broad wings and powerful talons. The species inhabits mainly open and mountainous country across Eurasia, North America and parts of North Africa. It hunts a variety of prey, particularly hares, rabbits, marmots and other small mammals. Pairs of golden eagles usually mate for life, and build large nests on cliffs or other elevated sites. The species has long been used in falconry and remains culturally significant in several parts of its range. This golden eagle in flight was photographed near the Gemmi Pass in Switzerland.Photograph credit: Giles Laurent
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