Kingdom : Animalia Class : Aves Family : Accipitridae Scientific Name : Hieraatus Spilogaster Size(H) : 40cm - 100cm ( 15.7in - 39.3in) Weight : 0.5kg - 7kg ( 1.1lbs - 15.4lbs) Wing Span : 70cm - 250cm ( 27.5in - 98in) Top Speed : 160km/h (100mph) Life Span : 15 - 30 years Colour : Black, Grey, Brown, White, Yellow Skin Type : Feathers Distinctive Features : Long curved beak and strong, sharp claws
- Eagles are large-sized birds of prey found in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
- There are around 60 species of Eagles in the world.
- Only the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle species are found in America.
- Depending on the species, the height of the eagle may vary from 40cm to 1m.
- Their wingspan is usually double the length of the eagle’s body.
- Their eyesight is incredible and they are known to spot their small prey from high up in the air.
- Their beaks are sharp and exceptionally strong and help them bite the prey at the base of their skull.
- The beaks are also always growing and perfectly designed to rip off meat from the bones.
- Their large, clawed feet called talons are strong enough for them to carry their prey for long distances.
- They are dominant predators which begets them the tag of “birds of prey”.
- Eagles mainly feed on smaller birds, bats, small mammals and fish.
- Being dominant predators themselves, they have very few natural predators.
- Female eagles lay around two eggs in their nest which is safe on a tall tree top or a cliff.
- Typically, in most eagle species, one of the chicks is stronger and kills the weaker chick.
- Interestingly, the Eagle is said to depict power or good fortune.