Aquila Reale is the Italian name of this handsome raptor.
MTW travellers have spotted Golden Eagles in the Valtournenche, in the winter of 2019 and in August 2024.
This fierce-visaged symbol of power is readily identified by its huge wingspan, of between 1.9m and 2.5m. It has dark brown plumage with a gold neck and head. Youngsters and juveniles to 4 years old have white markings on the tail and wings.
They can be seen all year round, swooping over pastures – the Golden Eagle can spy its prey, usually birds, rodents and small mammals, a kilometre away – or nesting in high crags, generally between 1200m and 2200m.
If you’re on the trails in the regions where MTW operate and see a Golden Eagle, please do let us know!