The golden eagle is the national bird of Mexico and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
Mexico’s coat of arms shows a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus while holding a rattlesnake. This image is associated with the foundation story of Tenochtitlan and became a central national symbol. The golden eagle is also represented on Mexico’s flag, although the flag’s emblem is a detailed version of the same scene.
Golden eagles are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. Adults have dark brown plumage with golden-brown feathers on the head and nape, which give the species its common name. They hunt mammals and birds and can also scavenge.
The species is a powerful flier that uses rising air currents to soar over mountains, cliffs, and open country. Golden eagles are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are different from bald eagles, which have white heads and are native to North America.