Draper Museum Raptor Experience
Kateri the golden eagle
About this Bird:
Kateri is a female Golden Eagle that hatched between approximately 2001 and 2003. She was found near Gillette, Wyoming, after being hit on the interstate by a semi-truck. She broke her right wing and is unable to fly well enough to survive on her own.
General Species Info:
Golden Eagles are found in North America, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Golden Eagles live in open and semi-open country featuring native vegetation across most of the Northern Hemisphere. They avoid developed areas and large stretches of forest. They are found primarily in mountains up to 12,000 feet, canyonlands, rimrock terrain, and riverside cliffs and bluffs. Golden Eagles nest on cliffs and steep escarpments in grassland, shrubland, and other vegetated areas.
Golden Eagles prey mainly on small to medium-sized mammals, including hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots. They are also capable of taking larger bird and mammal prey, including things as large as wolves and pronghorn antelope. In addition to live prey, Golden Eagles often feed on carrion.
Notes from Staff:
Kateri is a surprisingly gentle bird even though she is the largest and most powerful of our flock. She is so easy to work with, her handlers are able to create “Talon Art” paintings. It’s quite impressive, considering the size of her feet!
