A golden eagle gets its name from the warm golden-brown feathers on the back of its head and neck, which shimmer in sunlight. The rest of its body is dark brown. Its beak is large and hooked, perfect for tearing food, and its talons — the curved claws on its feet — are incredibly powerful.
Golden eagles are famous for their eyesight, which is about five times sharper than a human's. While soaring hundreds of metres up in the sky, they can spot a small animal on the ground below and then dive at tremendous speed to catch it. This kind of fast, steep dive is called a stoop.
Although they look fearsome, golden eagles are important parts of the ecosystem. They help keep the balance of nature by managing populations of animals like rabbits and hares. In many cultures across Europe and beyond, the golden eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom.