In North America, they occur as far south as Mexico, but are most common in the mountainous areas of the western United States and Canada. They are rare in the eastern regions. Diurnal predators, these swift birds hunt over open country for insects, small mammals, snakes, birds and, when live prey is scarce, will eat carrion. Golden eagles have been regarded from ancient times as symbols of power and courage because of their large size, superb aerial skills, and inaccessibility of nest sites. Important to many Indian cultures as symbols of power and strength, their feathers are used in rituals and costumes.
Golden eagles form long-term pair bonds.
Courtship includes spectacular vertical dives and upward swoops. Most nest on cliff ledges, but in some areas, trees are preferred. Nests are large and coarsely built of sticks and twigs. The same nest is used each year, and the birds add more sticks so that the nest may be as much as six feet in diameter and five feet high. Usually they lay two eggs, although sometimes one or three occur.