As one of the largest birds in North America, Golden eagles are distinctive creatures. Although their name may misguide you.

Golden eagles are not in fact golden! They have a dark brown body with a golden sheen around their heads. While they have several white patches on their bodies, they darken as they grow older.

There’s something about open fields that attracts these creatures, as you can find them in hills, mountains, and basically the natural environment of the west of the United States. That’s probably why you see Golden eagles in Western movies a lot. So if you’re ever in an open field and you saw a bird flying in a V-shape like an arrow, it might be a Golden eagle.

Golden eagles usually fly alone or in pairs. Small mammals such as rabbits and marmots are typically the diet of a Golden eagle, but they might feed on small birds and reptiles as well.

They’re also larger than they appear in pictures. When perched, they are 27.6-33.1 in (70-84 cm) long, and their wings are 72.8-86.6 in (185-220 cm) once they’re spread and soaring. So it’s best not to underestimate them.