Golden eagles are one of Scotland’s most spectacular birds of prey – learn about their biology and get tips on the best place to see them.
Eagles in Scotland
The Golden eagle is one of the largest and most powerful of Scotland’s birds. Unlike their larger cousin, the White-tailed sea eagle, Golden eagles never became extinct in Scotland. This is likely because they prefer to nest in remote, innaccessible locations away from humans. However, they have still suffered persecution from some grouse moor owners, and lost chicks due to egg collectors. Today, Scotland is one of the most important breeding areas for golden eagle in the whole of Europe. Read on to learn more, or for an overview check out Wildlife in Scotland: A Beginner’s Guide.
Prey items
Golden eagles are active and versatile hunters. Their prey items include lizards, small mammals, insects, mountain hares, ptarmigan, carrion and even capercaillie and very young deer. Those living near the coast may also predate seabirds from time to time. In Scotland, Golden eagles prey varies depending on whether they are located in the west or east Highlands. With a higher proportion of sporting estates in the east Highlands, Golden eagles tend to feed more often on Red grouse. However, in the west, with fewer grouse estates, their diet is more varied.
Golden eagles are active and versatile hunters
Species factfile ❀
Common name: Golden eagle Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae Measurements: 80-93cm long, 1.90-2.25m wingspan, 3.5kg (males), 5kg (females) Habitat: Mountains, hills, moorland, tundra Range: Eurasia, North America, North Africa Conservation status: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Schedule 1 species, UK Birds of Conservation Concern: Green listed, IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Where’s the best place to see golden eagles in Scotland?
There’s no one best place in Scotland to see golden eagles, but there are many areas where, with a bit of patience, you can see them well. Most golden eagle territories are located in the mountains and glens of the Scottish Highlands, together with populations on the Scottish islands and a reintroduced population in Southern Scotland. Amongst the best places to see golden eagles in Scotland are the Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull and the Cairngorms (see this post on Birdwatching near Aviemore and the Northern Cairngorms) .
Places where golden eagles occur in the Highlands of Scotland (selection only)
Golden eagle population in Scotland
The Scottish Highlands is home to almost all the golden eagles in Britain. Here, vast areas of relatively undisturbed mountains, glens and coastline provide lots of good habitat. The total population of golden eagles in Scotland is around 508 pairs – a total that has grown significantly over recent years. The number of individual birds is actually higher than this due to the presence of immature and non-breeding eagles.
⚠️ If you know where golden eagles may be nesting, it is good practice to avoid disturbing them and avoid sharing their location. Loud or close human activity can cause these legally protected birds to abandon their nests or young.
What’s the best time of year to see eagles in Scotland?
Being a ‘resident’ species in Scotland, golden eagles are present and active all year – that is, they do not migrate (unlike ospreys, for example). Therefore, you stand a reasonable chance of seeing one at almost any time of year. That said, they are more obvious at some times than others.
For instance, in Scotland from autumn to early spring, adult golden eagles tend to be quite active and more conspicuous due to nest building and displaying, in the lead-up to breeding. However, spring and early summer sightings usually involve birds on short hunting or exercise flights. This is because birds are incubating eggs and don’t want to draw attention to their nests. The summer months involve gradually increasing periods of hunting to feed the young, together with occassional display flights.
Golden Eagle year
| September – February | Adults nest building |
| January – April | Courtship and mating |
| March – April | Egg laying (incubation 41-45 days) |
| April – May | Hatching |
| June – July | Fledging |
| August – February | Young learning to fly and hunt |
However, the weather plays a large part in how often eagles fly. In long periods of good weather, hunting may be relatively easy, so they may spend more time at rest, digesting food. Sometimes hot weather results in birds soaring so high that they are very hard to see. However, in poor weather, eagles often have to work harder to find food, so may fly more often – even in heavy showers! Check out our recent sightings (link at bottom of page).
Eagle spotting tips
Birdwatchers (even experts) sometimes mistake golden eagles for white-tailed sea eagles or common buzzards. If it’s perching by the roadside on a telegraph pole, there’s a good chance it’s a ‘tourist eagle’ 🙂 Check out the video below and read on for more tips.
First, good optics are a must. Tiny pocket-sized binoculars are OK, but the image can be frustratingly small and narrow. A larger sized pair of well-adjusted binoculars is much better. While guiding, I also bring a telescope for guest use, fitted with a zoom eyepiece to maximise range. For photography, I will either photograph through the telescope (‘digiscope’) or use a high-zoom bridge camera. Secondly, we always aim for a good weather window. Golden eagles often prefer dry, clear, breezy weather. On a hot day, they may fly very high on thermals – or not at all.
Next, stand in a good vantage point. Eagles hunt over large distances, so try to position yourself with the widest view possible. Now be patient. Golden eagles don’t always turn up when you expect them to – especially with Scotland’s changeable weather! Spend time in good habitat to maximise your chances. But remember that disturbing an eagle is a criminal offence. These birds usually avoid people, meaning they may cease hunting, or abandon eggs and chicks if an observer gets too close.
Golden eagle FAQs
Most of the UK’s golden eagles live in Scotland. Reintroduced white-tailed sea eagles and golden eagles live on the the Isle of Wight and northern Ireland, respectively. Until relatively recently, England’s last breeding golden eagle lived near Haweswater in the Lake District.
There are currently about 508 pairs of golden eagles in Scotland, mostly found across the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
The golden eagle was chosen as the species that best symbolises Scottish wildlife in a national survey several years ago. They are always associated with wild, natural places. In Gaelic culture, they were believed to be ancient creatures, endowed with great wisdom and power. Hence, they were sometimes associated with leadership and royalty.
In the Highlands, golden eagles can be seen in many areas, including the Cairngorms, Torridon, Assynt and Lochaber. The Isles of Mull and Skye and the Western Isles also hold good numbers. There is also a smaller reintroduced population in Southern Scotland.
Golden eagles are synonymous with wild places and always a source of excitement to birders. Although they are capable predators, they also have large territories and begin breeding early in the year. This can make them challenging to locate, even in prime habitat. Thankfully, the golden eagle population in Scotland is relatively healthy, which means that there is always a chance of seeing one when exploring the remote areas of the Highlands.
Spring birding in the Cairngorms and more
