Golden Eagles in Scotland: Where and When to See Them

The golden eagle is Scotland’s great bird of the hills, and golden eagles in Scotland are easier to find than most visitors think. Around 500 pairs breed here, mostly in the Highlands and islands. You will not see one on every walk. But with the right place, the right weather and a little patience, a sighting can be the best moment of your trip.

What Makes the Golden Eagle So Special?

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the largest birds of prey in Britain. Its wings span about two metres, and it can weigh up to five kilograms. The feathers on the back of its head and neck have a golden sheen, which gives the bird its name.

People often call it the national bird of Scotland, although the title is unofficial. It is easy to see why. The eagle lives in the wildest country we have, and it needs a lot of space. A single pair holds a huge territory of crag, ridge and open moor.

How to Spot One in Flight

A golden eagle soars on flat, slightly raised wings. It holds them in a shallow “V” and rarely flaps. The head sticks out well beyond the wings, and the tail is long and rounded.

Many first-time watchers mistake a buzzard for an eagle. A buzzard is much smaller and often calls with a loud mewing cry. If you can compare the bird with a raven or a gull in the same sky, the eagle will look far larger.

Where to See Golden Eagles in Scotland

Eagles favour high, open ground with few people. That means the best places sit in the north and west. Here are the areas with the strongest reputation.

The Cairngorms

The mountains and glens of the Cairngorms hold some of the best eagle country in the land. Scan the high corries and the ridges above the pine woods. Our Cairngorms in autumn guide covers the glens and walks that give you the widest views.

The Isle of Skye

Skye’s cliffs and hill ridges suit eagles well. Look up on the Trotternish ridge, around the Quiraing and above the sea cliffs. If you walk to the Old Man of Storr, keep one eye on the sky as you climb.

Glencoe, Wester Ross and the Western Isles

Glencoe’s steep walls give eagles the updrafts they love. Wester Ross and Assynt are quieter still. The Outer Hebrides, especially Harris and Lewis, are also well known among bird watchers for their eagles.

The South of Scotland

Eagles are returning to the Borders and Galloway too. Conservation teams have moved young birds from the Highlands to the south in recent years, to rebuild a population that had almost vanished there.

The Best Time to Look

Golden eagles live in Scotland all year, so you do not need a special season. Each period has its own benefits.

• Late winter: Pairs perform display flights, with steep dives and swooping climbs, as they claim territory.
• Spring: Birds lay eggs in March or April. Please stay well away from any nest.
• Summer: Adults hunt hard to feed a growing chick. Early morning is often the best time.
• Autumn and winter: Leaves have gone and the air is clear. Birds are easier to spot on bright, breezy days.

Wind helps, too. Eagles ride rising air along hillsides, so a day with a moving breeze and good visibility gives you the best odds.

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What Golden Eagles Eat

Golden eagles hunt over open moor and mountain. They take mountain hares, red grouse and ptarmigan, along with rabbits and other birds. They also feed on carrion, such as the carcasses of red deer that die on the hill in winter.

The bird spots prey from far away and then stoops fast, with its wings folded. It strikes with its talons, which are strong enough to kill a hare outright. Our guide to Scotland’s red deer shows how the same hills feed many animals.

Life in the Hills

Golden eagles often pair for life. Each pair builds a huge nest, called an eyrie, from sticks and heather. They place it on a rocky ledge or in an old tree, and they reuse it for many years. Some pairs keep several eyries within their territory.

The female usually lays one or two eggs in spring. She sits on them for around six weeks. The chicks stay in the nest for about ten weeks before they fly. Often only the stronger chick survives. Young birds then spend several years wandering before they claim a home range of their own.

Golden Eagle or Sea Eagle?

Scotland has a second huge eagle, the white-tailed eagle, also called the sea eagle. It is larger than the golden eagle, with broad, flat wings and a short, wedge-shaped white tail in adults. People sometimes call it a “flying barn door”.

You are most likely to see sea eagles on the west coast and islands, including Mull. The golden eagle prefers the high ground inland. If you are heading to Mull, our Tobermory guide is a good place to start.

Tips for Eagle Watching

• Bring binoculars. A pair with 8x or 10x magnification works well.
• Choose a spot with a wide view of a ridge or a glen, then sit still and scan slowly.
• Look at the sky above the skyline, not just the ground.
• Wear warm, waterproof layers. Mountain weather changes fast.
• Join a guided wildlife walk if you can. Local guides know where eagles hunt.

Keep Eagles Safe

Golden eagles have full legal protection. It is a crime to disturb a nest or harm a bird. Keep a good distance, never approach an eyrie, and keep dogs on a lead near nesting ground. The RSPB’s golden eagle page has more on the species and its conservation.

For more of Scotland’s wild animals, read our complete guide to spotting Scotland’s wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golden eagles are there in Scotland?

Scotland holds about 500 breeding pairs. That makes up almost all of the golden eagles in Britain.

Where is the best place to see golden eagles in Scotland?

The Cairngorms, the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Wester Ross and the Outer Hebrides all have a good record. Pick open mountain country with wide views and few people.

What time of year is best for seeing golden eagles?

You can see them all year. Late winter brings display flights, and clear autumn and winter days make birds easier to spot against the sky.

How can I tell a golden eagle from a buzzard?

An eagle is far bigger, with a wingspan of about two metres. It glides on flat wings in a shallow “V”. A buzzard is smaller and often has a rounder, shorter tail.