THE GOLDEN EAGLE. By Jeff Watson. First edition.

1997 1st edition. 4to (193 x 261mm). Pp374. Colour frontispiece, b/w illustrations by Keith Brockie and 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.