Table of Contents

List of Figures ix List of Tables xiii Acknowledgements xvii 1. Introduction 1 2. The Golden Eagle 8 3. World Range 20 4. The Scottish Highlands-Golden Eagle Country 32 5. Hunting Behaviour 47 6. Food 56 7. Nest sites 74 8. Ranging Behaviour 89 9. Nest Spacing and Density 101 10. Population Estimates and Trends 119 11. The Pre-breeding Season 128 12. The Breeding Cycle-Eggs and Incubation 138 13. The Breeding Cycle-Nestling Period 148 14. The Post-fledging Period and Independence 164 15. Breeding Performance 173 16. Moult 194 17. Movements and Migration 203 18. Mortality 216 19. Threats 227 20. Conservation 247 21. History and Tradition 257 22. Further Research 265 Appendix 1: The Genus Aquila Distribution and Ecology 269 Appendix 2: The Shaping of the Highland Landscape 278 Appendix 3: Dietary Breadth 282 Appendix 4: Assessment of Food Supply 283 Appendix 5: Nearest-neighbour Distance and Density 285 Appendix 6: Scientific Names of Animals and Plants 287 Bibliography 291 Tables 1-73 313 Index 365

Reviews

This book has been worth waiting for. Almost a reason in itself for buying the book is the beautiful artwork. As the cover blurb says, this book 'is destined to become the standard reference work on the species.' It is also a good read, so buy it. -- David Merrie BTO News The text covers everything you are likely to want to know about the bird... I urge you to put a copy of this superb book on your shelves. -- Gordon Hamlett Bird Watching Derek Ratcliffe writes with the objectivity of his impeccable scientific credentials and the enthusiasm of a dedicated admirer of our uplands and their birds. This is the first comprehensive study published for 40 years. Birds Beautifully illustrated. -- David Tomlinson New Scientist The author's enthusiasm for this majestic bird of prey shines through the pages of this excellent work... This book will appeal equally to the birdwatcher who wants to learn more about the life and habits of Golden Eagles and the ornithologist who requires an authoritative reference work. It is backed with interesting information. Keith Brockie's black-and-white artwork is excellent throughout. Birdwatch The book is illustrated with a series of breathtaking plates by Keith Brockie... Overall, this is a very readable, authoritative and up-to-date book which raptor enthusiasts and general birders alike will find immensely enjoyable. Birding World Jeff Watson has now filled this gap with a magnificent book which manages to combine the results of rigorous scientific research including field observation with a genuine feeling for the species. It is written with the authority of someone who has spent many years studying the species in the field. It recognizes the need to understand the golden eagle and related species in a variety of habitats and geographical areas across most of the Northern Hemisphere. It is extremely well produced and a good value for the money. Country-Side This monograph is of generally high quality and reflects the long first-hand experience of the author with the species and the extensive review and integration he has done on the research carried out in different part of the world. Animal Behavior