Kaweah (Golden Eagle)
Aquila chysactos
Golden
eagles are the most common eagle in the Central Valley. Bald eagles also live in the foothills and
mountain lakes but are usually just wintering in the area. Golden eagles are the largest raptor next to
the bald eagles. They are 30-40 inches
in length with a 6-7 foot wingspan. The
females can weigh as much as 8-9 pounds.
The golden eagles have feathering all the way down their legs to their
toes. They live in mountainous areas but
hunt on the flatlands eating small mammals like rabbits and ground
squirrels. They also eat carrion found
on ranches and along roadsides. These
raptors are soaring birds and with wings outstretched, they can “cruise” for
miles before flapping their wings. They
have a keen sense of sight, able to see people approaching from miles away.
Kaweah was confiscated by the California Dept. of Fish and
Wildlife in 2013 in the Madera area. The
individual had the eagle in a cotton trailer.
He said he found it by the side of the road. The eagle is missing part
of his left wing about mid-shaft below his elbow.