How Do Eagles Mate and Reproduce?

Pair of Golden Eagles
Source: Discovery Times / Flickr

Eagles reproduce by engaging in a courtship process that includes cartwheeling and circling in the air, copulation and nesting, where both the male and female eagle build the nest. Eagles typically mate for life, and they usually use the same nest site year after year as long as they have successfully produced and protected offspring at the location.

While the courtship process occurs while the eagles are flying, copulation typically occurs in the nest or on a branch. The male mounts the female and the male and female cloaca touch, which is referred to as the cloacal kiss. The female typically lays the fertilized eggs about 5 to 10 days after successful copulation.