Aquila chrysaetos, commonly known as the golden eagle, is native to a wide range of regions across the Northern Hemisphere. It is found in North America, Europe, and Asia, with populations in the Northwestern United States, Canadian Rockies, Scandinavia, Spain, the Himalayas, and parts of Russia.

The golden eagle typically inhabits open and semi-open habitats, preferring mountainous regions, plateaus, and steppe-like environments. It can also be found in shrublands and grasslands, often avoiding densely forested areas and human settlements. The eagle thrives in regions with abundant prey and minimal human disturbance.

Golden eagles are apex predators and play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling the population of smaller animals and maintaining healthy biodiversity. They primarily hunt mammals such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and even larger prey like hares and young deer. This adaptability allows them to thrive in various ecological niches across their expansive range.