Atlas of nesting birds in Bulgaria

Golden Eagle

(Aquila chrysaetos)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 150–170 pairs

Distribution pattern

With patchy distribution, predominantly in the higher mountain areas (mainly in the Central and the Western Stara Planina, Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and the mountains along the Western frontier mountains), but also in some lower mountains and hilly areas (Strandzha, the Eastern Stara Planina, Eastern Rhodopes, Sakar, Derventa Hills, etc.). During the current mapping period, almost no nests were found in the plains of the country.

Big size map

Breeding distribution 2013 – 2020 – The distribution and the estimation of the population size of the species for the period 2013 – 2020 is presented –

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds predominantly on inland cliffs and exposed rocks, as well as on high old trees in broad-leaved deciduous forests. Almost all breeding sites are located in valleys, gorges or in rock formations near open slopes, where the birds search for food.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Not analysed

Threats

Not analysed