Graceful, courageous, spiritual - the symbolic characteristics which has earned the golden eagles their royal title, "King of the Birds." The golden eagle is the largest of the genus, Buteo, a bird of prey. Their wingspan can reach up to 7 1/2 feet, and they are the soaring "specialist" among all Buteos which includes bald eagles, hawks, and buzzards. They use their large wingspans to catch rising masses of warm air (thermals) and can glide longer and further than other birds. Temperate climates in the Northern Hemispheres of North America, Eurasia, and Northern Africa possess the thermals and are the habitats for the golden eagle. They live mostly in wide open spaces of mountains, desert grasslands, tundra, and open coniferous forests. Golden eagles can fly up to 80 MPH in level flight, and can dive up 200 MPH. An eagle diving at full speed can simulate the sound of a small aeroplane. Diving is a form of play for the birds, but it is more importantly used as a resourceful means for hunting. Thanks for taking time to view, and any comments you care to make