Eagle Physical Traits and Habits

Physical Characteristics of Eagles

• Eagles are large birds, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds.
• They have large beaks and strong talons (claws).
• Their feathers are commonly brown, black, or white.
• Eagles possess excellent eyesight, crucial for hunting.
• Some eagle species have shorter wings for hunting in confined spaces, while others have long wings for traversing open areas.

Eagle Diet and Habitat

• Eagles are predominantly carnivorous, feeding on the flesh of various animals (meat-eaters).
• These include fish, rabbits, and squirrels, showcasing opportunistic feeding habits.
• Eagles are also known as birds of prey, alongside other predators such as vultures and falcons.
• Eagles utilize their strong talons to capture prey and sharp beaks for tearing flesh.
• Notably, the African Vulturine Fish-Eagle is an exception, mainly consuming oil palm fruits.
• Eagles inhabit diverse global locations, principally in Europe, Asia, and Africa, with the bald eagle residing in North America.
• Their preference for tree nesting habitats often places them in forested regions, including woodlands and rainforests.

Eagle Life Cycle

• Baby eagles are referred to as eaglets.
• Eaglets hatch from eggs after approximately six weeks of incubation.
• Typically, one to three eaglets are produced per nest.
• Eaglets typically leave the nest around 12 weeks of age and become independent.
• Eagles can live for 20-30 years in the wild and even longer under protected conditions.

Eagle Species and Cultural Significance

• Over 60 different types of eagles exist globally.
• The bald eagle is a significant symbol of the United States.
• Greek eagles are known to hunt turtles by dropping them from cliffs to crack their shells and access the meat.
• Some cultures consider eagles sacred, due to their high-altitude flight which symbolizes divinity.