Birds wintering in the West habitate areas with native shrug-steppe vegetation. Birds wintering in the east prefer wetlands and resevoirs. Reproduction Pair bonds. Golden eagles generally form monogamous pair bonds that last throughout the lifetime of the birds. Upon the death of one, the other will usually seek out another mate.
Males sometimes form bonds with two females.
Golden eagles include twigs, sticks, and branches in their nests. They are also one of several species that include greenery in their nests. The outside diameter of nests vary between five and six feet. Nests are usually located at the edges of forests, mostly on cliff ledges or in Douglas Firs. The same nest is habitated for several years, with birds adding a new layer of materials annually.