[Animals] How is the royal eagle, the mythical and emblematic bird of the Mexican flag

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The golden eagle spreads its wings on a symbolic and physical level in Mexico. Therefore, it is an emblem that recalls the transformation of the country
The founding legend of Mexico-Tenochtitlan tells that the Mexicas had undertaken a long journey in search of the ideal place to build the capital of their empire. Huitzilopochtli, god of war, let this group know that the exact spot would be marked by an eagle devouring a snake. This image became the National Shield of Mexico, and today that mythical predatory bird is identified as the golden eagle.

Since pre-Hispanic times, the golden eagle was a symbol of the virtues of the Mexica people. For them, this bird represented the warrior character, courage and power. These values transcended and made the animal continue to mean Mexico.

Golden eagle: freedom and courage
The golden eagle (Aquila chysaetos) is a bird belonging to the order falconiformes that can live between 30 and 35 years. It is one of the largest animals of its kind. Normally, the females reach larger dimensions than the males; the former measure between 90 centimeters and one meter; the latter range from 80 to 87 centimeters in length.

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The strength and precision of the golden eagle are two of its greatest hallmarks; it can see its prey at a distance of up to 2 kilometers, according to data from the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). This animal, with its wings spread, reaches, depending on the specimen, 2 meters. As for the weight, it can reach, both in females and males, up to 6 kilograms.

The distribution of this bird of prey is one of the most widespread for its genus. It inhabits Eurasia and North America. In Mexico, according to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), the golden eagle is found in the northern and central states of the country. Additionally, nesting centers have been identified in Coahuila, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes.

The arid and semi-arid spaces are where the golden eagle lives. Also, it is found in temperate montane forests. The bird can be easily seen in open and closed areas, however, in desert ecosystems it is seen in clear landscapes.

It is precisely in open spaces where the reproduction of the golden eagle occurs. Between January, February and March, this is when they lay eggs in their nests. Incubation takes 43 to 45 days. The first flight can take place in July or August.

This predator feeds on small mammals, other birds, reptiles, and insects. Even, the Naturalista database points out, it can consume carrion if it does not find any of the previous options.

The threats of a symbol
Unfortunately, there are various situations that are affecting the survival of this emblematic bird. According to PROFEPA, the main threat is habitat loss, which occurs as a consequence of the territorial expansion of human beings and rural activities.

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Other problems faced by the species are the poaching of nests and hunting. Both have in common the exploitation of the golden eagle for the purpose of collecting and selling. In this sense, it should be noted that the hunting of this bird is illegal in Mexico.

Since the 1980s there have been measures to protect the golden eagle. The efforts made along this line help to preserve the species, creating awareness of its cultural and ecological importance.

One of the most important initiatives of the Mexican government, towards the care of the species, was the creation of the National Center for the Control and Protection of the Golden Eagle. In this place, located in the Heroic Military College, we work with specialists who take care of the specimens in captivity to reintegrate them into their habitat.

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