The Golden Eagle has a body length of 30 - 40 inches, a wingspan of 6 1/2 - 7 1/2 feet, and weighs 7 - 13 pounds. They range from sea level to several thousand feet, occupying most of the open terrain of deserts, mountains, plateaus, and steppes in the Northern Hemisphere. They are not usually found in heavily forested areas. Golden Eagles living in the northern part of their range move south when the food supply becomes scarce in the winter.

Golden Eagles prey mostly upon medium-sized rodents, rabbits, and hares, but also on birds, especially game birds, reptiles, and carrion. Most prey is taken on the ground from a low flight, but they are fast enough to take birds in flight. Some Golden Eagle pairs will hunt together.

Golden Eagles build stick nests on cliffs or in trees. Some pairs use the same nest every year or alternate among a few nest sites in their territory. Golden Eagles usually lay 2 eggs that are incubated 41 - 45 days. The eaglets fledge 9 - 11 weeks later, but do not reach adulthood for about 5 years.