Eagle Bird Facts - AZ Animals

E Species Profile Eagle Built to soar, born to strike visuelldesign/Shutterstock.com Encyclopedia / E Animals / Eagle Updated May 27, 2024 Index Overview Taxonomy Size Photos Did You Know Conservation Life Cycle Field Notes Humans Relations Species Video Article

Eagle Distribution

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This map shows coastal regions where Eagle are found.

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Found in 42 countries

🇦🇷 Argentina 🇦🇺 Australia 🇧🇷 Brazil 🇧🇼 Botswana 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇱 Chile 🇨🇳 China 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇩🇪 Germany 🇩🇿 Algeria 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇪🇸 Spain 🇪🇹 Ethiopia 🇫🇮 Finland 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇮🇳 India 🇮🇷 Iran 🇮🇹 Italy 🇯🇵 Japan 🇰🇪 Kenya 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🇲🇦 Morocco 🇲🇳 Mongolia 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇳🇦 Namibia 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇪 Peru 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea 🇵🇭 Philippines 🇵🇱 Poland 🇷🇴 Romania 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇹🇿 Tanzania 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇸 United States 🇿🇦 South Africa Show all 42 locations

Size Comparison

Human 5'8" Eagle 1 ft 12 in

Eagle stands at 35% of average human height.

At a Glance

Family Overview This page covers the Eagle family as a group. Stats below are general traits shared across the family. Also Known As Raptors, Birds of prey, King of birds Diet Carnivore Activity Diurnal+ Lifespan 20 years Weight 9 lbs Status Not Evaluated Did You Know?

Size range across "eagles" in Accipitridae: ~40-105 cm body length, ~1.0-2.5 m wingspan, and roughly ~0.5-9 kg mass (smallest booted-type eagles to the largest sea-eagles).

Scientific Classification

Family Overview "Eagle" is not a single species but represents an entire family containing multiple species.

Eagles (in the broad common-name sense) are large, diurnal birds of prey characterized by powerful hooked bills, strong talons, keen vision, and soaring flight. Most “true eagles” and many widely known eagles (e.g., Aquila and Haliaeetus) belong to the raptor family Accipitridae within the order Accipitriformes.

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Aves Order Accipitriformes Family Accipitridae

Distinguishing Features

• Large-bodied diurnal raptors with broad wings for soaring
• Strong, hooked bill for tearing flesh
• Powerful feet with large curved talons
• Exceptional long-distance vision
• Often apex or near-apex predators; some species are specialized fish-eaters (sea-eagles)

Physical Measurements

Imperial Metric

Males and females differ in size

Height ♂ 1 ft 12 in (8 in – 3 ft 7 in) Length ♂ 2 ft 6 in (1 ft 5 in – 3 ft 5 in) ♀ 2 ft 4 in (1 ft 4 in – 3 ft 5 in) Weight ♂ 9 lbs (1 lbs – 17 lbs) ♀ 9 lbs (2 lbs – 21 lbs) Tail Length ♂ 11 in (6 in – 1 ft 4 in) ♀ 12 in (6 in – 1 ft 10 in) Top Speed 149 mph Dives 160–240 km/h

Appearance

Primary Colors Brown Black White Gray Secondary Colors Cream Tan Gold Spotted Striped Skin Type Eagles have feathered bodies and strong flight feathers. The cere and legs/feet show exposed skin with scaly tarsi and toes. Leg feathering varies in Accipitridae: many booted eagles have feathered tarsi, sea-eagles less so. Distinctive Features

• Eagles (family Accipitridae) are about 45–105 cm long, have wingspans 1.1–2.5 m, and weigh about 0.5–9 kg; sizes vary by species and sex, from small forest/open-country to largest sea and forest eagles.
• Lifespan (generalized): often ~10-30+ years in the wild for many species; large eagles may reach several decades, and captive longevity can extend to ~40-50 years depending on species and care.
• Powerful, strongly hooked bill with a prominent cere; adapted for tearing flesh rather than cutting.
• Very large, curved talons and strong grip; killing method varies from rapid dispatch of mammals/birds to gripping/slashing fish near the water surface in fish specialists.
• Keen binocular vision and broad wings suited to soaring and gliding; many species exploit thermals or ridge lift, while forest eagles often combine soaring with powerful flap-gliding through canopy gaps.
• Eagles live in many habitats: deserts, steppes, mountains (many true eagles), forests and rainforest edges, wetlands, coasts and islands (sea-eagles), and mixed areas. They nest in tall trees, cliffs, or sometimes buildings.
• Eagles are mostly meat-eaters and opportunists, taking mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish, often scavenging carrion. Some groups (sea-eagles) favor fish, others focus on birds or mammals, and many change prey by season and place.
• Eagles are active by day, territorial, long-lived, returning to same site and forming pairs for years. They reuse large stick nests; lay one to three eggs that hatch unevenly, with young lost in poor years.
• Movement patterns vary widely: some populations are resident year-round (especially coastal/island and tropical forest species), while others are partially or fully migratory in temperate/continental regions; juveniles may disperse widely.
• Eagles face habitat loss and breakup, people harming them, fewer prey, poisoning from rat poisons and vet drugs, lead from bullets, electrocution or collision with power lines and wind turbines, and nest disturbance.

Sexual Dimorphism

In Accipitridae eagles, sex differences are common and usually about size. Females are often 10–30% larger, helping with bigger prey and nesting and reducing prey competition. Feather differences between sexes are usually small; age differences are clearer.

♂

• Typically smaller overall body mass and slightly shorter wings/tarsi than females within the same species; may appear more agile in flight.
• In many species, plumage is similar to females; where differences exist, they are usually minor (e.g., slightly different tone or pattern extent in some taxa).

♀

• Typically larger/heavier with proportionally larger feet/talons; size difference can be pronounced in the largest species.
• Often assumes a greater share of incubation and early brooding in many species (varies), with size aiding nest defense and prey handling.

Photo Gallery

32 photos

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Did You Know?

Size range across "eagles" in Accipitridae: ~40-105 cm body length, ~1.0-2.5 m wingspan, and roughly ~0.5-9 kg mass (smallest booted-type eagles to the largest sea-eagles).

Lifespan varies widely: many species can reach ~10-35+ years in the wild; some individuals live 40-50+ years in captivity.

Not all "eagles" hunt the same way-some specialize on fish (sea-eagles), others on mammals and birds (many Aquila), and some take reptiles or carrion when available.

Many eagles build extremely large stick nests (often reused and expanded for years), but nest placement varies from cliffs and tall trees to ground nests in open habitats.

Some species are strong migrants or partial migrants, while others are highly resident and defend year-round territories.

"Eagle" is a common-name umbrella: several lineages within Accipitridae are called eagles (e.g., true eagles Aquila, sea-eagles Haliaeetus, snake-eagles, hawk-eagles), reflecting shared raptor traits more than a single lifestyle.

Unique Adaptations

• Powerful feet and talons: enlarged toe flexor tendons and sharply curved talons deliver a high-grip, puncturing "locking" hold during prey capture.
• Hooked bill and strong neck: designed for tearing flesh; many can dismember prey efficiently rather than swallowing it whole.
• Exceptional distance vision: large eyes and dense retinal receptors support long-range detection of prey; exact acuity varies among species and hunting style.
• Broad wings and slotted "fingers": reduce drag and increase lift for efficient soaring; wing shape varies from long, broad wings in open-country soarers to shorter, broader wings for maneuvering in forests.
• Rugged, exposed nesting architecture: large stick nests built to withstand wind and repeated use; some cliff nesters exploit inaccessible ledges to reduce predation risk.
• Physiological tolerance and coastal adaptations in sea-eagles: many handle wet, windy shorelines and exploit fish-rich marine and river systems.

Interesting Behaviors

• Soaring and scanning: many rely on broad wings and thermal soaring to patrol huge home ranges; forest eagles may use more flap-and-glide ambush tactics-behavior varies with habitat.
• Pair bonds and territory: many form long-term pairs and perform aerial displays; territorial intensity differs by prey availability and density of nesting sites.
• Nest fidelity: repeated use of the same nest or nesting territory is common; some pairs maintain multiple "alternate" nests.
• Opportunism: although famed as hunters, many species also scavenge (especially sea-eagles) or steal prey (kleptoparasitism) from other birds in certain contexts.
• Diet specialization vs. generalism: some focus tightly (e.g., fish-focused sea-eagles), while others switch seasonally among mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion depending on local conditions.
• Human landscape interactions: some adapt to reservoirs and coastlines with predictable fish, while others decline sharply where persecution, poisoning, or habitat loss reduces prey and nesting sites.

Cultural Significance

Across Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas, eagles are long symbols of power, watchfulness, and rule in state emblems, military flags, and religious art. In Central Asia they are used in falconry, and conservation like reintroduction, laws, and stopping poisoning has made some eagles symbols of recovery and environmental health.

Myths & Legends

Ancient Greece: Zeus's eagle serves as the god's messenger and emblem of authority; in another famous tale, an eagle is sent to torment Prometheus by devouring his regenerating liver.

Hindu and Buddhist traditions: a mighty eagle-like divine bird battles serpents and becomes the mount of Vishnu, symbolizing speed, power, and protection.

Norse cosmology: an unnamed eagle sits atop the World Tree, with a hawk perched between its eyes, linking the eagle to cosmic oversight and the structure of the worlds.

Aztec foundation legend: the Aztecs are guided to found their capital city after seeing the prophesied sign-an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent-an image that endures in Mexican national symbolism.

Indigenous North American traditions (varied by nation): eagle feathers are widely treated as sacred and are associated with prayer, honor, and messages carried skyward; some regional narratives connect great thunderbirds-often eagle-like-to storms and supernatural power.

Ancient Rome: the eagle standard of Roman legions became a revered emblem with ritual importance-its loss or recovery was treated as a matter of fate and honor for the legion.

Conservation Status

NE Varies by species ("eagles" are a common-name group, not a single IUCN-assessed taxon).

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Unknown

Protected Under

• CITES: most eagles and related hawks are listed on Appendix II; some particularly threatened species may be on Appendix I (trade regulated or prohibited depending on listing).
• Many countries provide legal protection for raptors (anti-killing/anti-take laws) and may list certain eagle species as protected or endangered at the national level.
• EU Birds Directive (where applicable): strict protection for wild birds and key habitat conservation measures.
• United States (where applicable): Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act protect native eagles and their parts/nests.
• CMS/Bonn Convention and associated Raptors instruments (where applicable) support conservation for migratory raptors.
• Protected areas can be crucial for breeding territories and prey bases, but effectiveness varies; many key threats (poisoning, power infrastructure, disturbance) also require targeted mitigation outside reserves.

Looking for a specific species?

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

In broad English usage, "eagle" is most often associated with large, powerful 'true eagles' of genus Aquila; the Golden Eagle is one of the most widely distributed, well-known, and culturally prominent examples. (This does not represent the full diversity of Accipitridae, which includes many non-eagle hawks, kites, harriers, and vultures.)

• Accipitridae size range (smallest to largest members): ~24-120 cm body length; ~0.43-3.1 m wingspan; ~0.08-14 kg mass.
• Family-wide lifespan range: commonly ~10-30 years in the wild depending on species and threats; some individuals of larger raptors can exceed ~30 years and may reach ~40+ years in captivity.
• Eagles are daytime hunting birds with hooked bills, strong talons, and sharp vision. Many soar and reuse big stick nests. Hunting varies: open-country chasers (Aquila), forest ambushers (Harpia, Pithecophaga), or fish hunters (Haliaeetus).
• Behavioral variation across the group: many form long-term pair bonds and defend territories; migration ranges from strongly migratory to largely resident depending on species and latitude.
• Most hunt vertebrates, but prey size and type vary a lot (fish, birds, mammals, reptiles). Scavenging matters in some groups and is dominant in Old World vultures (Accipitridae).

View Golden Eagle Profile

You might be looking for:

Bald Eagle

22%

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Large sea-eagle of North America; white head and tail in adults; iconic fish-eating raptor.

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Golden Eagle

20%

Aquila chrysaetos

Widespread large eagle of the Northern Hemisphere; powerful predator/scavenger of open and mountainous habitats.

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White-tailed Eagle

12%

Haliaeetus albicilla

Massive Eurasian sea-eagle associated with coasts and large lakes; broad wings and pale tail in adults.

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Harpy Eagle

10%

Harpia harpyja

Neotropical forest eagle; one of the most powerful raptors; preys on arboreal mammals.

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Philippine Eagle

8%

Pithecophaga jefferyi

Critically endangered forest eagle endemic to the Philippines; very large with shaggy crest.

African Fish Eagle

8%

Icthyophaga vocifer

Common African waterside eagle; distinctive white head/chestnut body; calls often associated with African lakes and rivers.

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Crowned Eagle

6%

Stephanoaetus coronatus

Powerful African forest eagle; hunts medium-sized mammals; prominent crest.

Steller's Sea Eagle

5%

Haliaeetus pelagicus

Very large sea-eagle of NE Asia; dark body with striking white shoulders/tail and huge bill.

Life Cycle

Birth 2 chicks Lifespan 20 years

Lifespan

In the Wild 10–40 years In Captivity 15–55 years

Reproduction

Mating System Monogamy Social Structure Socially Monogamous Breeding Pattern Long Term Fertilization Internal Fertilization Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Eagles (Accipitridae) are mostly monogamous. Pairs often last many years and share nest building, warming eggs, and caring for chicks. Mating with others and helpers are rare; having multiple mates is uncommon.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Pair (breeding); congregation/roost (non-breeding aggregations) Group: 2 Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Matutinal, Vespertine Diet Carnivore Animal prey overall-most commonly small to medium vertebrates (mammals and birds), with strong specialization in some lineages (e.g., fish in sea eagles; carrion in Old World vultures). Seasonal Migratory 3,107 mi

Temperament

+5 more Show less Diverse 'eagle' forms occur within Accipitridae; across this broad group, sizes range roughly from ~45-105 cm body length, ~0.5-9+ kg mass, and ~110-250+ cm wingspan (smallest to largest commonly recognized eagles). Lifespan is typically long for raptors: many species often reach ~10-30+ years in the wild (highly variable with mortality and persecution), and some can exceed ~30-40+ years in captivity. Generally bold, confident predators when handling prey, but often wary of humans; temperament shifts strongly with context (notably heightened aggression/defensiveness near nests). Strong territoriality is common in breeding adults (especially around nest sites and core hunting areas), with variation from intensely defended year-round territories to more seasonal or flexible territoriality in migratory or high-resource settings. Low reproductive rate is typical (small clutches, high investment per chick), with extended parental care; breeding density and tolerance of neighbors vary with habitat productivity and prey availability. Ecology varies widely: diets range from fish and waterbirds to mammals, reptiles, other birds, and carrion; many are generalists while some are relatively specialized (e.g., fish-dominant or forest prey specialists). Social tolerance can increase at abundant food sources (e.g., fish concentrations) and at communal roosts, where dominance interactions may occur but prolonged cooperative behavior is uncommon. Age structure affects behavior: juveniles/immatures are often less territorial and may range more widely, sometimes using communal roosts more than breeding adults.

Communication

+5 more Show less High-pitched whistles and piping calls Often used in pair contact and at the nest Harsh screams/squeals and barking calls Frequent in alarm, territorial disputes, or when defending young Chirps/peeps from nestlings and fledglings Begging and contact Chattering/cackling notes in some taxa during agitation or close-range interactions Aerial display flights (soaring, dives, talon presentations) for courtship and territorial advertisement Mutual displays within pairs Synchronized flight, calling, and nest-site signaling Visual threat postures Upright stance, wing spreading, head/neck extension, feather erection Talon/foot gestures and physical chases during territorial conflicts; occasional grappling Nest building and stick-carrying as signaling Pair-bond reinforcement and territory occupancy cues Food presentation and prey-transfer behaviors between mates or to young Courtship and provisioning signals Use of prominent perches and skyline soaring as visual advertisement; some use repeated route flights along territory edges

Habitat

Show all Show less Forest Rainforest Deciduous Forest Coniferous Forest Woodland Grassland Savanna Prairie Steppe Shrubland Desert Tundra Alpine Meadow Mountain Cliff/Rocky Outcrop Lake River/Stream Pond Wetland Swamp Marsh Bog Mangrove Estuary Coastal Beach Rocky Shore Open Ocean Urban Suburban Agricultural/Farmland Plantation +26 Biomes: Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Savanna Desert Hot Desert Cold Mediterranean Temperate Grassland Temperate Forest Temperate Rainforest Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Alpine Freshwater Marine Wetland +9 Terrain: Mountainous Hilly Plateau Plains Valley Coastal Island Riverine Volcanic Karst Rocky Sandy +6 Elevation: Up to 19685 ft 1 in

Ecological Role

Predatory and scavenging raptors spanning mesopredator to apex roles, with substantial ecological diversity across the family.

Regulation of prey populations (rodents, lagomorphs, other birds, reptiles), helping stabilize food webs Removal of carrion (especially in vulture lineages), reducing disease risk and accelerating nutrient recycling Selective pressure on prey behavior and distribution (landscape-scale 'fear effects') Indicators of ecosystem health due to sensitivity to habitat change, contamination, and prey availability

Diet Details

Show all Show less Main Prey: Small to medium mammals Birds Fish Reptiles Amphibians Invertebrates Carrion +1

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Eagles (various Accipitridae species) have long human ties. Some are used in falconry in Eurasia with special care. They have faced shooting, trapping, nest destruction, and poisoning (lead, rat poisons). Laws, releases, nest protection, and wildlife watching now help many populations. Feathers and talons have cultural and national meaning.

Danger Level

Moderate

• Physical injury from talons/beak if handled, cornered, or during defense of nest/young (lacerations, puncture wounds, eye injuries)
• Incidents typically involve wildlife professionals (rehab/falconry/zoo staff) rather than the general public
• Rare defensive strikes near nests or food sources; risk varies by species size and temperament
• Zoonotic risk is generally low but includes potential exposure to avian pathogens/parasites when handling birds or carcasses (mitigated by hygiene/PPE)

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Eagles are usually illegal or very restricted as pets. Many species are protected by national laws and international rules and need permits. Only licensed falconers, rehab centers, educators, or zoos may have them.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: Up to $15,000 Lifetime Cost: $20,000 - $200,000

Economic Value

Uses: Ecotourism and wildlife viewing (guided trips, hides, photography) Cultural and symbolic value (national emblems, art, traditional practices) Falconry (specialized sporting/cultural use where legal) Ecosystem services (predation/scavenging can reduce carrion and influence prey populations) Conservation funding and education (visitor attractions, outreach) Products:

• Primarily non-consumptive value (viewing/education); commercial trade in live eagles, feathers, or parts is widely restricted or prohibited
• Historically: feathers/parts used in regalia or trophies in some cultures (now often regulated/illegal)

Relationships

Predators 7

Human Homo sapiens Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo Raven Corvus corax Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Wolverine Gulo gulo Large raptors Accipitridae

Related Species 7

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Shared Family Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Shared Family Black Kite Milvus migrans Shared Family Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Shared Family Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Shared Family Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Shared Family Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Fills a very similar large, diurnal, fish-eating raptor niche, especially compared with sea/fish eagles like Haliaeetus, but belongs to a different family (Pandionidae) and has distinct foot and spine adaptations for gripping fish. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Overlaps as a top aerial predator of medium-sized birds; has similarly high visual acuity and a comparable hunting role, but falcons (Falconidae) differ anatomically and often rely more on speed and stooping dives than on soaring power. Andean Condor Vultur gryphus A large soaring raptor occupying an apex scavenger niche in mountainous and open landscapes. Ecologically comparable in size and flight style to the largest eagles, though it specializes much more in carrion. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Shares broad scavenging and soaring ecology with some eagle populations that regularly take carrion, but belongs to New World vultures (Cathartidae) and relies heavily on olfaction. Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo A large apex predator in many of the same regions; overlaps in prey base and can compete with, or even prey on, diurnal raptors. It is nocturnal and belongs to an unrelated lineage (family Strigidae).

Types of Eagle

34

Explore 34 recognized types of eagle

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Pallas's Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus Madagascar Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja Philippine Eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus Crested Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus Mountain Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus limnaeetus Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga Lesser Spotted Eagle Clanga pomarina Gurney's Eagle Aquila gurneyi Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus Black-and-chestnut Eagle Spizaetus isidori Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus

The sharp-eyed eagle is among the most fearsome predators of the animal kingdom.

Nicknamed the “king of all birds,” eagles are large and powerful birds of prey that appear to soar majestically in the air, searching for their next meal.

Although not the most agile flyer, its remarkable speed in the air certainly belies its enormous size relative to other birds.

Most species are well-protected by governments, conservation organizations, and international acts around the world, but a few of the more obscure species are in danger of extinction.

6 Incredible Eagle Facts!

• The Eagle bird probably first evolved from kites some 36 million years ago.
• The eagle bird has served as a very common symbol of strength and power in many human cultures. They adorned the national emblems of Rome/Byzantium, Russia, and many Germanic states. The unusual-looking double-headed eagle is a common historical motif that may stretch back to the time of ancient Mesopotamia.
• The grip of the bald eagle is actually 10 times stronger than a human.
• Despite their much smaller body weight, the eye of an eagle is about the same size as a human eye.
• Eagles undergo a process called molting in which they gradually lose their feathers one at a time and grow completely new ones about every year. Some species will lose feathers equally on both sides to maintain proper balance.
• The Eagle bird can carry up to four times their own body weight, making it one of the strongest birds in the world. Learn about the strongest animals in the world here.

Scientific Name

An eagle is a group of particularly large birds that belong to the family of Accipitridae (this scientific name is derived from the Latin word accipiter, which means hawk). Many different types of birds belong to this family, including vultures, kites, and hawks. What distinguishes the eagle is its larger size and massive beak.

There are some 60 species of eagles still living in the world today. They can be divided into several main groups: fish or sea eagles, serpent eagles, forest eagles, and booted eagles. These are informal groups and not necessarily taxonomical ones. What many Americans may not know is that the bald eagle (scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is actually a type of sea eagle.

Evolution and Orgins

Tens of millions of years ago, there was an ancient groups of birds that were eventually named as Kites. These birds developed like today’s bald eagles. As far as we know, early kites were thought to scavenged and hunt fish. Somewhere around 36 million years ago, the first eagles descended from kites.

Eagles belong to several different groups of birds. Most of the 68 species of eagle are from Eurasia and Africa.

Common Types of Eagles

• Bald Eagle Bird – The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. These birds have white heads and tails with brown bodies and are found near open bodies of water with old-growth trees that they use for nesting.
• Harpy Eagle Bird – Harpy eagles are found in tropical rainforests in Mexico, Central America, and South America. These birds have dark grey feathers with white undersides, a black band across their necks, and grey feathers on their heads.
• Golden Eagle Bird – Golden eagles can be found in Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Northern Africa. Adult golden eagles are dark brown with slightly paler wing feathers and golden napes.
• Stellar’s Sea Eagle Bird – Stellar’s Sea Eagles live in coastal habitats of northeastern Asia. These birds can be identified by their dark bodies, white shoulders, foreheads, tails, and thighs, and bright yellow bills.
• White-Tailed Eagle Bird – White-tailed eagles breed in Northern Europe and northern Asia and generally live near open bodies of water. They have brown body feathers and pale heads and necks with white tail feathers.

Appearance

The eagle is among the largest of all birds; only some condors and vultures can rival it in sheer size. The largest species of eagles, such as the harpy eagle and Steller’s sea eagle, weigh up to 20 pounds and display a wingspan of around 7 or 8 feet from tip to tip. Females actually tend to be larger than males on average, but it’s not entirely clear why; perhaps it’s to protect the chicks from danger while the male is away.

In addition to their size, the eagles are further distinguished by their sharp, heavy beaks (which end in a downward-sloping point) and four big talons on each foot. They also have small projections on the bottom of their feet called “spicules” to grasp prey.

Unlike the scavenging vulture, eagles also have a fully-feathered head, sometimes capped off in a luxurious-looking crest.

Eagle vs. Hawk

Eagles and hawks are very similar in their behavior and physical characteristics. Some 15 species are even called hawk eagles due to their mixed intermediary features. But in general, hawks are much smaller in size; their wingspan rarely exceeds more than 5 feet.

Behavior

These birds have the exceptional vision that ranks among the best in the animal kingdom. Translated into human terms, it would have 20/5 or even 20/4 eyesight. There are a few reasons for this: the enormous size of the pupils, the density of light-detecting cells in the retina, and the shape of the fovea (a small pit in the back of the eye which is responsible for an animal’s sharp central vision). This confers enormous visual advantages.

First, an eagle can see four to eight times farther than the average human, allowing it to spot small prey from up to two miles away, even while in flight. Second, it can also see in a wider range of colors, including ultraviolet. Finally, it can shift focus quickly to zoom in on prey.

But in order to focus on a specific spot, the eagle usually has to turn its entire head in that direction. Fortunately, the eagle also has 14 vertebrae in its neck compared to only seven for humans, enabling it to have a greater degree of rotation.

When the bird finally spots prey, it usually swoops down and snatches up its unsuspecting victim in its feet and talons. In this action, it acts with remarkable speed. The common golden eagle can dive down at speeds of around 150 to 200 miles per hour, which is nearly equal to the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal in the world.

In flight, the golden eagle can only maintain speeds of around 28 to 32 miles per hour, which still allows it to cover much of its hunting ground quickly in a day. Most of these birds are sedentary (which means they maintain a strict territory all year round), but a few species and subspecies may undertake a partial or full migration for the cold winter months.

When several eagles gather together in groups, it is called a convocation, congregation, or aerie. But these birds are not really one for large social gatherings. Instead, it tends to maintain a very narrow family life with a single mate and their chicks.

It has few other social contacts besides that. Except for the breeding season, many eagles don’t actually make many sounds. The bald eagle is one exception. It emits a harsh call to communicate with each other or warn away intruders.

Habitat

These birds are found all over the world in almost every single type of habitat, from the far northern tundra to tropical rainforests and deserts. Only two species, the bald eagle and golden eagle are common to North America, while nine species are endemic to Central and South America.

The Eastern Hemisphere contains the greatest concentration of them, particularly in Africa. Many of the islands dotted throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans even have their own distinct species as well.

Diet

These birds are apex predators in every ecosystem where it’s found. This is specifically reflected in its anatomy: the birds have sharp beaks and talons are specifically adapted for ripping and tearing flesh.

It is also not shy about scavenging for food left behind or killed by other animals. In fact, the bald eagle’s tendency to steal the kills of other birds once prompted Benjamin Franklin to say that it was a bird of “bad moral character” (though despite common belief, he did not propose that the turkey should be the national symbol of the United States instead).

These birds are also a feast or famine type of bird since it can sometimes go several weeks in between meals. For a complete list of the food eagles eat, check out our “What Do Eagles Eat” page.

What does the eagle eat?

These birds’ preferred diet depends mostly on where it lives and what it’s adapted for. The most common prey includes fish, crabs, snakes, amphibians, small birds, rodents, and other mammals, sometimes as large as a deer or pig. However, these birds rarely just stick to a single type of food.

Although they may have a single preference (fish eagles obviously consume fish), they will also eat a wide selection of other foods based on what’s available at the time. If the meal is too large to carry in its talons, then the bird will eat it directly where the animal was killed.

Predators and Threats

Up until the 19th and 20th centuries, these birds have historically faced few threats in the wild. But the combined effect of overhunting, habitat loss, and pesticide use (which seeped into the environment and water) threatened many species with extinction. In places where hunting and pesticide use are tightly regulated, eagle numbers are quickly recovering.

What eats the eagle?

An adult has no other natural predators in the wild. But eggs and chicks may be preyed upon by hawks, owls, raccoons, bobcats, and other carnivorous animals.

Eagle Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Following a brief courtship display, which can include an impressive aerial performance and synchronized behavior, these birds form exceptionally strong bond pairs that mate for life.

This allows them to create and keep building upon the same nest year after year, usually in a high and inaccessible cliff or tree.

These nests, which also go by the name of eyries, are usually composed of sticks, moss, lichens, and other plant material. However, most of these birds only use the nest when they are actually raising their young and abandon it temporarily for the rest of the year.

Once the female lays her eggs, she incubates them for a month or two, while the father hunts and provides most of the food. These birds can produce anywhere between one and four eggs, but the larger, dominant chick may end up killing or out-competing the smaller one.

While this may seem cruel, it is an effective strategy for ensuring that one chick almost always survives, especially since mortality rates are already quite high among the young.

They will usually grow their flight feathers after a few months, but since they have such long maturation periods, it may take up to three or four years before they become adults. The life expectancy of the typical species is around 20 to 30 years in the wild. As it ages, the bird begins to lose some of its hunting edges. In captivity, where it always has a guaranteed meal, these birds can sometimes live around 50 years of age.

Population

Most but not all species around the world appear to be in excellent health. The bald eagle is considered to be the species of least concern by the IUCN Red List with perhaps more than 100,000 individuals remaining. This is a remarkable bounce back from the 1980s and 1990s when it was still on the endangered species list.

The golden eagle is likewise a species of least concern with more than 100,000 individuals left. By contrast, the harpy eagle of Central and South America is near threatened and in decline. The steppe eagle of Central Asia is likewise in decline. Although there are some 50,000 to 75,000 adults remaining, it is listed by the IUCN Red List as an endangered species.

Eagles in the Zoo

The bald eagle bird is one of the most popular exhibits in American zoos. It can be found at the San Diego Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, Denver Zoo, Tulsa Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Houston Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, and so much more. The San Diego Zoo, along with many other zoos, also has a golden eagle, a crowned eagle, Steller’s sea eagle, and a harpy eagle.

Up Next…

• Top 9 Largest Eagles in the World
• Eagle Poop: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know

View all 181 animals that start with E

Eagle Pictures

View all of our Eagle pictures in the gallery.

visuelldesign/Shutterstock.com

Sources

1. Britannica / Accessed March 15, 2021
2. Live Science / Accessed March 15, 2021
3. San Diego Zoo / Accessed March 15, 2021
4. Nature / Accessed March 15, 2021

About the Author

Rebecca Bales

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats. Connect:

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Eagle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What's the difference between ospreys and eagles?

Eagles are generally larger than ospreys. In addition, ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish while eagles have more variety in their diet. Ospreys are also a single species while there are more than 60 species of eagles.

Are Eagles herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Eagles are carnivores, meaning they eat other animals.

What Kingdom do Eagles belong to?

Eagles belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Eagles belong to?

Eagles belong to the class Aves.

What phylum to Eagles belong to?

Eagles belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Eagles belong to?

Eagles belong to the family Accipitridae.

What order do Eagles belong to?

Eagles belong to the order Falconiformes.

What type of covering do Eagles have?

Eagles are covered in feathers.

In what type of habitat do Eagles live?

Eagles live in open waters like rivers, lakes, and coastal regions.

What is the main prey for Eagles?

Eagles prey on fish, mammals, and reptiles.

What are some predators of Eagles?

Predators of Eagles include humans, hawks, and raccoons.

What are some distinguishing features of Eagles?

Eagles have long, curved beaks and strong, sharp claws.

How many eggs do Eagles lay?

Eagles typically lay 2 eggs.

What is an interesting fact about Eagles?

Eagles have exceptional eyesight!

What is the lifespan of an Eagle?

Eagles can live for 15 to 30 years.

What is the Eagle's wingspan?

The Eagle has a wingspan of 70cm to 250cm (27.5in to 98in).

How fast is an Eagle?

An Eagle can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.

Could an eagle kill you?

An eagle would almost never try to attack a person except in self-defense. However, the sharp talons and beak could probably do some serious damage.

Is the eagle the strongest bird?

The harpy eagle is generally considered to be the strongest bird in the world. It can carry 100% of its own body weight (up to 20 pounds) in its talons.

Why are eagles so special?

Eagles are among the largest and most powerful birds in the world. Their eyesight is also one of the strongest in the entire animal kingdom. They are also beneficial to the environment by keeping the populations of prey animals in check.

Can an eagle carry a human being?

Since most eagles can only carry a few pounds at a time, they would not be able to carry a person in the air. However, a larger eagle might be able to carry a smaller child.

Where do eagles live?

Eagles live in many different environments all over the world. Almost all species have a preferred habitat, such as wetlands, forests, mountains, or plains.

What do eagles eat?

Eagles tend to consume small animals like rodents, lizards, and fish.

How do Eagles have babies?

Eagles lay eggs.

What's the difference between an eagle and an owl?

Eagles have a larger wingspan than owls, but the difference is not that great. Eagles’ wingspans can reach lengths of 80in or longer in very rare cases like the Martial Eagle with an 8.5-foot wingspan.

Owls also have a very big wingspan, with the largest of their species having wings that grow up to 72 inches in length.

Who has bigger claws between an eagle and a tiger?

Harpy eagles have claws as long as 5 inches, which are bigger than a typical tiger’s claws which grow up to 4 inches in length.

View Eagle Photos

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