The Golden Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found across the northern hemisphere. It is one of the most widespread eagles in the world. In North America, the Golden Eagle inhabits western and northern regions of the continent. Its range extends from Alaska and Canada in the north, to northern Mexico in the south. The Golden Eagle has symbolic significance for Mexico, where it is considered the national bird and appears on the Mexican coat of arms. However, there are some key differences between the Golden Eagle and the Mexican Eagle or ‘Aguila Real’ as it is known in Spanish.
Quick Answers
Is the Golden Eagle the same as the Mexican Eagle? No, the Golden Eagle and the Mexican Eagle are different species. The Golden Eagle is Aquila chrysaetos, while the Mexican Eagle is Aquila chrysaetos mexicanus, a subspecies of the Golden Eagle.
What is the national bird of Mexico? The Mexican Eagle or ‘Aguila Real’ (Aquila chrysaetos mexicanus) is the national emblem of Mexico. It appears on the Mexican flag and coat of arms as a symbol of the Aztec heritage.
Where is the Golden Eagle found? The Golden Eagle has a Holarctic distribution, meaning it inhabits regions across the northern hemisphere. Its range spans North America, Europe and Asia. In North America, it is found from Alaska to northern Mexico.
Range and Distribution of the Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the most widespread raptors in the northern hemisphere. Its range spans across North America, Europe and Asia. In North America, the Golden Eagle can be found from northern Alaska and Canada, southwards through the western states of the continental United States, to the northern regions of Mexico.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the Golden Eagle’s range in North America:
- Alaska – Occurs year-round throughout mainland Alaska and the Aleutian Islands
- Canada – Breeds in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Colombia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario
- Continental US – Breeds from Washington, east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Also found in western Texas. Winters south to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
- Mexico – Occurs in the northern states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas.
The Golden Eagle occupies a variety of habitats across its range including arctic and alpine tundra, boreal forest, grasslands, prairies, shrublands, and deserts. It requires areas with open terrain and tall cliffs or trees suitable for nesting. The Golden Eagle’s elevation range can vary from sea level up to 11,500 feet.
Range of the Mexican Eagle
The Mexican Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos mexicanus) is a subspecies of the wider ranging Golden Eagle. As its name suggests, the Mexican Eagle is endemic to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States.
Specifically, the range of the Mexican Eagle consists of:
- Southwestern US – Occurs in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas
- Mexico – Found in the majority of the country from Sonora south to Oaxaca
Within Mexico, the Mexican Eagle is found in arid to semi-arid regions such as scrublands, deserts and plateaus. It frequents open habitats including grasslands, shrublands, pastures and agricultural areas. The Mexican Eagle nests on cliffs and in trees such as pine, oak and juniper. Its elevation range spans from near sea level up to around 10,500 feet.
So in summary, the Golden Eagle occupies a much wider range across North America, while the Mexican Eagle is localized to Mexico and the bordering regions of the southwestern US.
Physical Differences
Although closely related, there are some subtle physical differences between the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Mexican Eagle (A. c. mexicanus):
Size
- Golden Eagle – Length: 27-33 inches; Wingspan: 6.5-7.5 feet; Weight: 7-15 pounds
- Mexican Eagle – Slightly smaller overall size; Length: 25-27 inches; Wingspan: 6-7 feet; Weight: 6-12 pounds
Plumage
- Golden Eagle – Dark brown body and wings; paler golden-brown on head and neck; white at base of tail
- Mexican Eagle – Dark brown but paler overall; light golden-brown wash on nape and hindneck
Beak
- Golden Eagle – Heavy deep beak; yellow cere
- Mexican Eagle – Slimmer and lighter colored beak
So in summary, the Mexican Eagle is slightly smaller in size, paler in overall plumage, and has a less heavy beak compared to the Golden Eagle. However, differentiating the two in the field can be very difficult.
Eagle Symbolism in Mexico
The eagle holds an important place in Mexican culture and history, particularly the Mexican Eagle or ‘Aguila Real’. Eagles represented bravery and warrior qualities for the Aztecs and other Pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico. The eagle was believed to be the messenger between humans and the sun.
Significance in Aztec Culture
The Aztecs referred to themselves as the ‘people of the sun’. They believed they were the chosen people of the sun god Huitzilopochtli. According to Aztec legend, Huitzilopochtli guided the Aztecs to the Valley of Mexico, where they founded their capital Tenochtitlan. The god was represented by an eagle perched on a cactus, eating a snake. This iconic image is depicted on the current Mexican flag.
Eagles were considered a manifestation of Huitzilopochtli and the bravest Aztec warriors were known as ‘eagles and jaguars’. Aztec warriors wore eagle costumes and helmets to channel the ferocity of the birds during battle.
Symbol of Mexico
After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the new government adopted the Mexican Eagle as a national emblem. It represented the union of native and Spanish cultures. The inclusion of the eagle on the Mexican coat of arms and flag ties back to the bird’s significance to Pre-Columbian civilizations.
Today, the Mexican Eagle continues to symbolize Mexico’s Aztec heritage and history. It remains a strong patriotic symbol representing courage, authority and independence for the country.
Differences Between Species
To summarize the key differences:
Species
- Golden Eagle – Aquila chrysaetos
- Mexican Eagle – Aquila chrysaetos mexicanus (a subspecies of the Golden Eagle)
Range
- Golden Eagle – Across northern North America, Europe and Asia
- Mexican Eagle – Mexico and neighboring regions of SW US
Size
- Golden Eagle – Larger in length, wingspan and weight
- Mexican Eagle – Slightly smaller dimensions overall
Plumage
- Golden Eagle – Darker brown overall with pale golden-brown head
- Mexican Eagle – Paler brown plumage with lighter nape
Beak
- Golden Eagle – Heavy deep beak
- Mexican Eagle – Slimmer lighter colored beak
Symbolism
- Golden Eagle – Important in many Native American cultures
- Mexican Eagle – Central part of Aztec culture and modern Mexican identity
So in summary, while the two eagles are closely related and share many attributes, the Mexican Eagle is best considered a distinct subspecies endemic to Mexico rather than the same bird as the wider ranging Golden Eagle. The Mexican Eagle holds unique symbolism for Mexico.
Conclusion
The Golden Eagle and the Mexican Eagle are two closely related yet distinct species of eagle. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has a broad range across the northern hemisphere, while the Mexican Eagle (A. c. mexicanus) is found only in Mexico and the southwest US.
While the Mexican Eagle is a subspecies of the Golden Eagle, it is slightly smaller with some subtle plumage differences and a slimmer beak. More importantly, the Mexican Eagle is a national symbol of Mexico, representing Aztec heritage and warrior qualities. The Golden Eagle is more widespread as a species and holds significance for many Native American groups.
So in conclusion, while the Golden Eagle inhabits northern Mexico, the bird depicted on the Mexican coat of arms is specifically the Mexican Eagle. The Mexican Eagle remains an iconic national symbol, distinct from its northern cousin, the Golden Eagle.