Based on banding records, most birds live less than two years, although some wild birds have lived to be 11 years old. One captive bird lived to age 48.
Females are generally larger, although there is some size overlap.
The golden eagle ranges throughout most of North America and in portions of Eurasia and northern Africa. This species breeds in the western United States and parts of the southwestern Canadian provinces and northern Mexico. Any of the lower 48 states may have migrant or wintering birds. In South Dakota, golden eagles nest mainly west of the Missouri River, but may winter in other parts of the state. The golden eagle is named for the golden brown feathers of its head and nape.