Golden Eagle

Seen one? Add it to your free UK BirdedexHear its song and see the mapFree, no app download. Legendary bird: +50 points when you log it.

Habitat and behaviour

Habitat: Scottish Highlands.
Diet: Mountain hares, grouse.
Best time to spot: ~500 UK pairs.

When to look

A rare visitor, not a resident. There is no dependable season, though most rarities are found during spring and autumn migration. More on the season in UK raptors and owls.

How rare is it?

The Golden Eagle sits in our Legendary tier for the UK: a major rarity, where any record is big news. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5. It is protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it is an offence to disturb it at or near the nest. We blur the location of every sighting of this species.

Where to see it

Reserves where the Golden Eagle is on the list:

• Islay

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Bonelli's EagleLegendary · Rocky Mediterranean hills
• Spanish Imperial EagleLegendary · Iberian woodland
• Steppe EagleLegendary · Steppes (very rare)
• White-tailed EagleLegendary · Scottish coasts
• CapercaillieRare · Scottish pine forest

Kit that helps

Bird ID starter kit. Affiliate links, our own picks, no extra cost to you.