Characteristics of cliff nest sites of Golden Eagles in forested hills of southeast Norway

Cover photo: Adult Golden Eagle. Photo: Kristian Henriksen. The characteristics of cliff nest sites the Eagle Aquila chrysaetos were evaluated from a sample 57 nests, located during 2000–2020 in forested valley Valdres southeast Norway. About 80% nests facing to south and east, but availability ledges seemed largely consequence structure orientation. Among sites, 4% placed corner with vertical walls, 33% on ledge overhang, 10% back wall, 2% reclining 49% within cavity cave. Thus, about 83% sheltered by an or cave 0.5–2 meters nest, only 16% lacked shelter above. Heavy snowfall early spring, torrential rain strong winds spring summer may increase mortality among nestlings unless site is well sheltered. Moreover, dry snowless allow eagles start incubation late March, thereby increasing fledgling survival. Cavitynests are less visibility that might protect attacks other raptors Ravens Corax corax.