The Golden Eagle is the first comprehensive monograph on this majestic bird in over 40 years, and covers all aspects of this spectacular and popular species' biology and ecology. Jeff Watson has worked on eagles in Scotland for over 15 years and his studies provide the foundation for a treatment which also includes the most up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe, and throughout the world. This global view allows fascinating insight into the species' relationships with a variety of habitats.
Key Features:
Explores factors limiting Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance
Reviews eagle predation on livestock
Addresses conservation issues and the species' fortune in the past and present
Review:
... 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)
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
Key Features:
Explores factors limiting Golden Eagle numbers and breeding performance
Reviews eagle predation on livestock
Addresses conservation issues and the species' fortune in the past and present
Review:
... 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)
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