THE GOLDEN EAGLE. By Jeff Watson. First edition.

1997 1st edition. 4to (193 x 261mm). Pp374. Colour frontispiece, b/w illustrations by Keith Brockie & Donald Watson, extensive bibliography. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

"The first comprehensive monograph on the Golden Eagle for over 40 years, and covers all aspects of [the eagle's] biology and ecology. ...a treatment which also includes the most up-to-date information from work in North America, continental Europe and elsewhere". Chapters include: The golden eagle; World range; The Scottish Highlands, golden eagle country; Hunting behaviour; Food; Nest sites; Ringing behaviour; Nest spacing and density; Population estimates and trends; The pre-breeding season; The breeding cycle, eggs and incubation; The breeding cycle, nesting period; The post-fledging period and independence; Breeding performance; Moult; Movements and migration; Mortality; Threats; Conservation; History and tradition; further research. Appendices include: The genus Aquila, distribution and ecology; The shaping of the Highland landscape; Dietary breadth; Assessment of food supply; Nearest-neghbour distance and density; Scientific names of animals and plants.