BirdNote Daily The Eagle, the Cactus, and the City on the Lake
Nov 18, 2025
Discover the fascinating legend of how a Golden Eagle devouring a serpent atop a cactus inspired the founding of Tenochtitlan. This mythical tale intertwines with the history of Mexico City, highlighting its transformation over centuries. The podcast also delves into the pressing conservation needs of real Golden Eagles, whose populations have drastically declined. Learn about the efforts underway to protect these majestic birds and their habitats, making a connection between history and contemporary conservation challenges.
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Founding Vision On A Lake
- The Mexica journeyed for years guided by the god Huitzilopochtli until they found the prophesied eagle on a small islet in Lake Texcoco.
- There they built Tenochtitlan, a remarkable floating city that became the Aztec capital.
From Tenochtitlan To Mexico City
- Tenochtitlan grew over centuries into modern Mexico City, linking ancient myth to today's metropolis.
- The golden eagle remains a national symbol while real eagles now face modern threats across the region.
Symbolic Bird Facing Real Decline
- Despite the eagle's symbolic presence on the flag, golden eagles suffered steep declines from habitat loss, collisions, and poisoning.
- By 2016, fewer than 100 breeding pairs remained in Mexico, prompting conservation action to restore populations.