Biology and behavior of the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos )(Linnaeus, 1758) in highlands of Lorestan province

Golden Eagle scientifically called Aquila chrysaetos is one of the most glorious birds of prey in Iran and all over the world. It belongs to the Accipitridae family, whose predominant species is found in Zagros Mountains. This study seeks to explore the behaviors of Golden Eagle during a one year period in Lorestan Mountains which are considered a part of Central Zagros Mountains. The area in which Golden Eagle behaviors were recorded include: Oshtoran kuh, Garrin, Sephid kuh, and Hashtad Pahloo Mountain. For ease of exploration, the behaviors are divided into 3 groups which are as follows: daily behaviors: including hunting and feeding, Social behaviors: including social interactions among each and every member of a group which are done through seeing and making sounds and breeding behaviors: including mating, nesting, and caring after birth. Film-taking for this research began in autumn and continued for one year. According to the results, it came into light that Golden Eagle does most of its behaviors in late winter; that is, a time near mating season. These behaviors are: feeding, preying, and nesting, all of which increase in this season. Egg-laying is eventually done in March. And chicks are born after 45 days in this month. They are cared by their parents for approximately 3 months and become enabled of breeding within 4 to 5 years.