Once a golden eagle has selected his or her mate, it's a bond for life -- 15 to 20 years. Together they will raise their offspring. Golden eagles begin to mate at the age of four. Courtship rituals feature spectacular flying acts known as "sky dancing," a technique in which one bird will dive in on the other, while its partner, usually the female, will position itself to show its talons. Intercourse on the ground usually follows. Each year, golden eagles give birth to one or two chicks. Often, only one will survive. A firstborn chick gets priority for feeding. The younger chick must wait its turn and is often given far less to eat. When food is scarce, the stronger or older chick may kill its weaker or younger sibling. In times of plenty, both may survive. Parents take no role in any struggle. Within three weeks, eaglets can tear up their own food -- usually rabbit or hare -- and begin exercising their wings shortly thereafter. A test flight occurs within three months of birth. But, uncertain of its skill, the baby birds may continue to return home for meals for another few months until they begin making independent kills. Explore: Eco Status Are golden eagles an endangered species?