Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) breeding in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba

Abstract

The North American subspecies of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is of conservation concern throughout Canada. The species is not currently known to breed in Manitoba. In 2011 and 2012, during the course of surveys in Wapusk National Park of Canada in northeastern Manitoba, seven pairs of Golden Eagles and one sub-adult were observed. The identification of nests in proximity to three pairs, the presence of an adult at one nest, and visible white down feathers on two nests confirm breeding and extend the breeding range of the Golden Eagle into Manitoba, where breeding was previously uncertain. The three occupied nests were 14 km (n = 2) and 31 km (n = 1) from the nearest adjacent occupied nest identified. Foraging on Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) goslings was observed. Further research is needed to determine the overall nest density and the diet of Golden Eagles in northeastern Manitoba.