berkhut - eagle

Asian or Himalayan Golden Eagle; berkhut

Khitans hunting with Eagles by unknown

Throughout human history, birds of prey have been used by man to hunt for food and pelts. Hunts typically took place in winter, when the pelts were most luxuriant.
In Central Asia, the Kazakh people have hunted with golden eagles for millenia. The Kazakh word for one who hunts with eagles is called 'berkhut,' for 'golden eagle,' the title of the men who kept the falcons for Mongol royalty in the days of the Mongolian Empire.
In the Middle Ages, eagles and other birds of prey were prized by Europe's rulers, who often kept the birds and their handlers at court. Many of these came from the Far East, on lengthy journeys skirting deserts and crossing treacherous mountain passes over the Silk Roads.
Because of their range over large areas of open ground, eagles are considered more difficult to train than falcons or hawks. Females, larger and more aggressive than their male counterparts, are preferred. The bird can stay with its handler for up to ten years before being released back into the wild. With a wingspan of six feet, razor sharp talons, and diving (stooping) speeds approaching 90 mph, eagles are known to bring down larger game such as foxes, steppe hares, wolves and even deer.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Asian, or Himalayan, golden eagle is the second-darkest subspecies of golden eagle. The plumage on the back and the crown of the head is generally mottled and blackish. The nape and top of the neck is reddish-brown.
The feet are large, with long, sharp talons for grasping and tearing larger prey. Members of this subspecies are known to capture hares, foxes, even deer.
Adult males generally weigh at nine pounds, while females are substantially larger with weights of around fourteen pounds. Wingspans of both sexes range from seven to eight feet in length, although wingspans up to nine feet have been recorded in individuals held in captivity.

Genetics and Reproduction

Breeding takes place in spring. Males and females are monogamous and generally mate for life. Females lay as many as four cream-colored and darkly speckled eggs. She will incubate them for six weeks in nests located on cliffs or other high places. Usually, one or two chicks will survive.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fledgelings leave the nest in fall, where they range over a wide area for several years until they establish their own territory.

Ecology and Habitats

Golden Eagles are found in the Northern Hemisphere. The grasslands of the Eurasian steppe comprises the Asian golden eagle's ideal habitat as it prefers to hunt over large, open geographical ranges.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Asian golden eagle targets small game like rodents and rabbits although it can take prey as large as foxes, and even deer.

Behaviour

The Asian golden eagle scans its large, open territory for prey in a horizontal flight pattern, as opposed to a steep diving 'stoop' from up high like the peregrine falcon.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Eagles use their superior agility, speed and eyesight to hunt their prey.

Scientific Name

Aquila chrysaetos daphanea (Asian or Himalyan golden eagle)