NESTING DENSITY AND BREEDING SUCCESS OF GOLDEN EAGLES IN RELATION TO FOOD-SUPPLY IN SCOTLAND

1. Nesting density and breeding success of golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos were measured in six areas across Scotland in 1982-85 and in three additional test areas in 1985. 2. An index of food abundance was obtained from prey recorded on line transects in all study areas in most years. 3. In the original six areas, nesting density ranged from 14.7 to 26.1 pairs per 1000 km2 and breeding success from 0.19 to 1.00 chicks fledged per pair per year. 4. Nesting density was positively correlated with the amount of carrion (dead sheep and deer) detected on line transects, and breeding success was positively correlated with the amount of live prey (grouse, hares and rabbits). 5. Three test areas examined in 1985 conformed to these patterns. 6. In the light of these relationships, the implications of land-use changes for golden eagle nesting ecology are discussed.