Yes, there are golden eagles in Canada. They are found in discontinuous areas in western and eastern Canada. In western Canada, golden eagles breed in small parts of the Nunavut Region, larger portions of the Northwestern Territories, and Yukon Provinces. Further south, they breed in small parts of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and most British Columbia provinces. In eastern Canada, the golden eagle nests in disjunct areas around the Hudson Bay in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Northern Quebec, and small parts of New Brunswick.
Habitat Preferences of Golden Eagles in Canada
Golden eagles are known for their preference for open expanses with short vegetation, interspersed with mountain ranges, rolling hills, or other similar topographic features. They are also found in woodland areas with open and semi-open habitats. In Canada, they can be found breeding in grassland on low rolling hills and flat plains, interrupted only by cottonwood stands around river valleys and wetlands where they may build their nests.
Wetland Associations of Golden Eagles
Golden eagles are not generally associated with wetlands, but in the wintering population of Eastern United States, they are often associated with steep river valleys, reservoirs, and marshes in inland areas as well as estuarine marshlands, barrier islands, managed wetlands, sounds, and mouths of major river systems in coastal areas.
Migration Patterns of Golden Eagles in Canada
In terms of migration, most golden eagles in the east are migratory, with nearly all adult golden eagles migrating north to breed in Northern Canada and returning to spend the winter or nonbreeding months in the southern United States. In contrast, western eagles are composed of residents, short-distance, and long-distance migrants, resulting in a highly mobile overall population occupying and vacating parts of their western range throughout the year.
Long-term Research on Bald Eagles in Canada
According to a study by Jon Gerrard and Elston Dzus, a population of bald eagles in northern boreal Saskatchewan has been thriving for 50 years, with key discoveries including the longevity of the research and the challenges of climbing trees to observe the birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are indeed golden eagles in Canada, with breeding populations found in both western and eastern parts of the country. They prefer open expanses with short vegetation and are also found in woodland areas with open and semi-open habitats. While they are not generally associated with wetlands, they can be found near some of the most arid spots on earth, and in the wintering population of Eastern United States, they are often associated with wetlands. Most golden eagles in the east are migratory, while western eagles are composed of residents, short-distance, and long-distance migrants.
References:
– All About Birds: Golden Eagle Range Map
– Canadian Geographic: Animal Facts – Bald Eagle
– Wikipedia: Golden Eagle
– Birding BC: Where Do Golden Eagles Live in Canada?
– Avian Report: Where Do Golden Eagles Live?
