Yes, there are golden eagles found in the province of Alberta, Canada. The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large bird of prey that is native to North America. In Alberta, golden eagles can be found throughout the province but are more commonly seen in the southern and western regions.
Physical Description
The golden eagle is a large, dark brown raptor with golden-brown plumage on the back of the neck and head. Adults have wingspans ranging from 1.8-2.3 meters (5.9-7.5 feet) and can weigh between 3-6.3 kg (6.6-13.9 lbs). Females are typically larger than males. They have dark brown eyes, a sharply hooked yellow beak, and sharp talons.
Some key identifying features of golden eagles include:
- Dark brown body and wings
- Golden-brown neck and head
- White patches under the wings
- Long, broad wings
- Wings held flat when gliding
- Tail fanned and twisted when soaring
Diet and Hunting
Golden eagles are carnivorous predators that feed mainly on small mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs. They also eat other birds, reptiles, and some carrion. Their hunting style involves soaring high above the ground searching for prey with their keen eyesight. Once spotted, they will swoop down at high speeds to grab prey with their talons.
Preferred Prey
Some of the preferred prey of golden eagles in Alberta include:
- Snowshoe hare
- Ground squirrel
- Richardson’s ground squirrel
- Prairie dog
- Jackrabbit
- Grouse
- Waterfowl
Hunting Habits
Golden eagles employ a variety of hunting techniques:
- Spot prey from high vantage points
- Stoop down at speeds over 120 km/hr
- Use momentum to knock prey down
- Grasp prey with sharp talons
- Carry prey away to eat
They tend to hunt most actively in the early morning and evening hours.
Habitat and Range
In Alberta, golden eagles occupy open habitats including prairies, foothills, mountains, and badlands. They are most abundant in southern and western regions of the province.
Some key habitat features eagles utilize:
- Cliffs for nesting
- Trees and other elevated perches for roosting
- Open areas for hunting
- Uplift air currents for soaring
The current breeding range of golden eagles in Alberta:
Region | Breeding Range |
---|---|
Southwestern | Present throughout region |
Southeastern | Present but more localized distribution |
Northwestern | Present but scarce in northeastern parts of region |
Northeastern | Rare and localized |
Favored Areas
Some parts of Alberta that have high densities of golden eagle populations:
- Grasslands Natural Region
- Foothills Natural Region
- Rocky Mountains Natural Region
- Canadian Shield Natural Region
- Cypress Hills
- Milk River basin
Migration
Most golden eagles in Alberta are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories. Some young eagles may wander more widely after fledging, but adults are generally sedentary.
However, eagles that breed further north in Canada and Alaska do migrate through Alberta on their way to and from wintering grounds in the western United States.
Winter Population
It is estimated that Alberta hosts 2500-5000 golden eagles in winter. This includes:
- 1500-3000 resident adult eagles
- 1000-2000 migrant eagles from northern regions
Migrant eagles start arriving in September and remain until March/April before returning north.
Migration Routes
Major golden eagle migration corridors in Alberta:
- Eastern foothills of Rocky Mountains
- Central and southern prairies
- Along major river valleys
Breeding
Golden eagles construct large stick nests on cliffs and other sites like trees, bluffs, or human-made structures. Breeding activities start in late winter.
Nesting
- Build nests from sticks, branches, and debris
- Nests up to 2.5 m across and 1 m deep
- Cliff ledges preferred, also trees and transmission towers
- Often have multiple nests within a territory
- Old nests reused and added to over years
Mating and Young
- Mate for life
- Lay 1-3 eggs in March/April
- Both parents incubate eggs about 35-45 days
- Young fledge at 9-12 weeks
- Dependent on parents up to 11 weeks after fledging
Population and Conservation
Golden eagles are not considered threatened or endangered in Alberta. However, habitat loss and human disturbances are concerns for maintaining stable populations.
Population Estimate
- 1500-2000 breeding pairs in Alberta
- Provincial population estimate is 3000-5000 eagles
- Considered sensitive/may be at risk by Alberta Environment
Threats and Protection
Some current threats facing golden eagles:
- Human disturbance of nest sites
- Loss of native prairie habitat
- Declines in prey species like rabbits
- Collision with vehicles and wind turbines
Conservation actions:
- Protected under Alberta Wildlife Act and federal Migratory Birds Convention Act
- Some habitat protected in provincial parks/wilderness areas
- Public education to reduce disturbances
- Work with landowners to protect nests on private property
Conclusion
In summary, golden eagles are apex predators that occur year-round in Alberta. They nest primarily in the southern and western regions of the province. Golden eagles hunt small mammals and birds by soaring and stooping on prey. They face threats from habitat loss and human activity near nest sites. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to maintain sustainable golden eagle populations through habitat protection and public education. Though not endangered, they are considered a sensitive species in Alberta that warrants continued monitoring.