Nesting of subadult golden eagles in southwestern Idaho

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Steenhof, K.; Kockert, M. N.; Doremus, J. H.

Source:

Auk, American Ornithologists' Union, Volume 100, Issue 3, p.743-747 (1983)

Call Number:

A83STE02IDUS

URL:

https://sora.unm.edu/node/23874

Keywords:

Aquila chrysaetos, Golden Eagle

Abstract:

Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are long-lived raptors that typically do not breed until their 4th or 5th year. Until their 4th year, eagles wear predefinitive feathering that is recognized easily in the field. Nesting by these subadult Golden Eagles has been reported at several locations in Europe and North America. This paper reports the frequency and success of subadult Golden Eagles nesting in southwestern Idaho over an 11-yr period. Environmental circumstances associated with subadult nesting are examined to determine: (1) whether nesting by subadult eagles is directly limited by food resources or territorial behavior, and (2) whether or not our observations can suggest a selective advantage for retention of subadult plumage beyond the age of reproductive maturity.