Brienne
Golden Eagle Ambassador
Female
2018 / Juvenile
Electrocution
About Brienne
Brienne (Brie) was brought to Liberty Wildlife as an immature first-year eagle having severe wing injuries because of electrocution. She had both nerve and tendon damage, eliminating her ability to fly. Additionally, she was found to have aspergillosis (Valley Fever) which would require periodical blood work to monitor this disease throughout her life. She is now an eagle ambassador for Liberty.
Description
The golden eagle is one of the largest, fastest, and most nimble raptors in North America. They have dark brown plumage crowned with gold on the back of the head and the nape. Juveniles will have clearly defined white patches at the base of the tail and the back of the wings.
Habitat
Golden eagles prefer to live in open and semi-open country featuring native vegetation across most of the Northern Hemisphere. They are found primarily in mountains up to 12,000 feet, canyonlands, rimrock terrain, and riverside cliffs and bluffs.
Range
Golden eagles are found throughout North America. From Alaska and Canada down south over the Continental US and into Baja California and parts of central Mexico. They are also found in Northern Europe and many parts of Northern Asia.
Life Span
The oldest known wild-banded golden eagle in North America was almost 31 years. The oldest known captive golden eagle lived to be 46 years old.
Prey / Food
Golden eagles hunt mostly mammals such as rabbits, prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and hares. They will also eat birds such as pheasant, quail, Canada Geese, cranes, and great blue herons.
Babies / Nests
Golden eagles lay 1 – 3 eggs in a clutch. Babies hatch after 41 – 45 days. Youngsters fledge (learn to fly) around 45 – 81 days. These eagles build their nests out of sticks and vegetation, locating them on a cliff or in a tree, or in human-made structures, such as windmills, observation towers, nesting platforms.
Native American Connnections
Eagle with his powerful wings can effortlessly soar through the skies, evoking a sense of freedom and fearlessness. Eagle figures prominently as a Spirit Animal to nearly all Native people. In most tribes, Eagle is considered a medicine bird with supernatural powers and plays a major role in the religious ceremonies of those tribes.
Hopis consider Eagle as a guardian of the earth and a symbol of divine protection. They believe that Eagle’s sharp vision helps it detect any threats to the planet and its inhabitants. They also believe Eagle represents strength and courage. The Sioux believe Wambli (Eagle) is the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. Eagle has strong medicine – it represents courage and bravery. To Apache’s the eagle is known as the master of the sky and represents fearlessness and determination. It is believed that by wearing eagle feathers or carrying an eagle feather fan, one can harness the bird’s strength and courage. These feathers are incorporated into ceremonial and dance regalia, serving as a reminder of the Eagle’s powerful qualities. The golden eagle, also known as the "war eagle," is associated with warriors and courage in battle. Golden eagle feathers earned by Plains Indians as war honors were worn in their feather headdresses. This practice continues to this day, and Eagle feathers are still given to Native soldiers returning from war or Natives who have achieved a great accomplishment The Hopi Eagle Dancer Kachina symbolizes strength, power, and freedom. It is revered as a messenger between the heavens and the earth, conveying prayers to the spiritual realm. The Eagle Dancer is believed to be close to the divine and serves as a protector. Eagle Dancer Kachina dolls hold a special place in the history of the Hopi. Their creation and use in rituals underscore Eagle’s significance in connecting the Hopi people with their cultural heritage. The most prized eagle feather for all Native peoples are those that come from the tail of a juvenile first year golden eagle. In this plumage the young golden eagle tail has a large white base with dark spotting. As the golden eagle matures the white base, and spotting disappears, and the tail feathers turn to a dark brown. These feathers are beautiful, spiritually powerful, and rare. Native Americans call these young juvenile golden eagles – Spotted Eagles.© 2025 Liberty Wildlife - Privacy Policy