Eagle – King of the Skies
The eagle is a majestic bird of prey, famous for its incredible eyesight, powerful wings, and dominance of the skies. Seen globally as a symbol of power and liberty, eagles thrive in diverse habitats like mountains, coastlines, forests, and open plains.
Scientific Information
* Scientific Name:Aquila (covers many common species)
*Family: Accipitridae
*Order: Accipitriformes
*Class: Aves (Birds)
*Life span: 20 to 30 years in their natural habitat
*Wingspan: Can stretch an impressive 1.8 to 2.4 meters, depending on the type of eagle
*Type: Raptor (Bird of Prey)
Eagles possess vision that is among the sharpest in the animal kingdom, enabling them to detect a small animal moving far below them.
Habits & Behavior
* Eagles are diurnal, meaning they hunt and are active during daylight hours.
* They are solitary and protective of their territory, often living alone or with a lifelong mate.
* They construct enormous nests, known as eyries, high up on cliff faces or in the tops of tall trees.
* As apex predators, they are expert hunters, using astonishing speed and strong, gripping talons to seize their prey.
* Most eagle species form monogamous pairs, staying with the same partner for many years, often for life.
Diet
Eagles are carnivorous hunters. Their diet primarily includes:
* Fish
* Small mammals (like rabbits or squirrels)
* Other birds
* Reptiles (such as snakes)
Fun Facts About Eagles
* An eagle’s eyesight is up to five times sharper than a human’s.
* Certain species are capable of soaring at extremely high elevations.
* When hunting, eagles can perform a rapid dive, reaching speeds exceeding 150 kilometers per hour.
* Their large nests are used repeatedly, growing larger each year; some can eventually weigh as much as a car.
* Eagles inhabit every continent on Earth, with the sole exception of Antarctica.