This is Bird Note.

The Golden Eagle is a bird of epic proportions, not only for their impressive size,

but also for the many legends they've inspired across human history.

They are one of the largest eagles in the world, with a wingspan of more than seven feet.

Though mostly dark brown, they are named for the golden feathers on their head and necks that shine in the sunlight. Golden eagles made for life, and can live to be more than 30 years old.

These are fierce and agile hunters with talent strong enough to break bones. They've been known to defend their cliffside nests against coyotes and even bears,

and can take down prey as large as deer or livestock.

For thousands of years, the Kazakh people of Central Asia have trained female golden eagles, who are larger than males,

to catch foxes for their winter first. This ancient form of falconry is so central to

Kazakh culture that the Golden Eagle is the official national animal of Kazakhstan. In fact,

the Golden Eagle appears on the flags and emblems of several countries, including Mexico.

It is said that when the Aztecs searched for a place to start their empire,

the godwichilopostly told them to look for a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a serpent.

Legend says that they found it in the middle of a lake where they built a floating

metropolis that would become Mexico City. Learn more about Golden Eagles and the stories they

inspire at our website, birdnote.org. I'm Lucina Malesio.