Last Reviewed and Updated on January 21, 2023
Eagles are one of the most magnificent birds of prey. They are excellent hunters and can snatch large prey with their large talons. Read through these interesting facts about eagles and learn more about these wonderful birds.
1. There are about 60 species of eagles
Eagle is a common name for many species of large birds of prey. Most species of eagles can be found in Eurasia and Africa, and a few species can be found in North America, Central America, South America, and Australia.
2. Eagles are defined by their size
What is one of the coolest facts about eagles is they are defined by their size and strength. Eagles aren’t a separate group of animals; the term eagle applies to any bird of prey large enough to hunt sizable vertebrates.
3. Great Nicobar serpent eagle is the smallest eagle
The Great Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi) is believed to be the smallest eagle. It weighs about 1 lb / 450 g, has a wingspan of up to 37 inches / 95 centimeters, and a body length of up to 17 inches / 42 cm.
4. Three eagle species can be considered the largest
Largest can mean many things, and three species of eagles are the largest, each in its way.
Regarding body mass, Steller’s sea eagle is the largest. The females of this species are larger and can weigh anywhere from 13.7 lb to 20.9 lb / 6,2 kg to 9,5 kg.
Regarding body length, the Philippine eagles are the largest, with the female measuring 3 ft 5 inches / 105 cm on average.
The White-tailed eagle is the largest regarding wingspan, with a median wingspan of 7 ft 2 inches / 218,5 cm.
5. The bald eagle has the greatest recorded weight-carrying capacity
One bald eagle was observed carrying a 15 lb / 6.8 kg mule deer fawn. The average bald eagle weighs up to 12 lbs / 5.6 kg, so the eagle was carrying more than its weight (source: The Bird Almanac by David M. Bird Ph.D.).
Eagles, in general, are the strongest birds.
6. Eagles are generally divided into four groups
These groups are informal. The groups are:
- Fish eagles
- Booted eagles
- Snake eagles
- Harpy eagles
7. Eagles have better eyesight than humans
Eagle’s eyes are one of the sharpest in the animal kingdom, with estimates that their eyesight is 4 to 8 times stronger than an average human’s.
The size of their eyes is almost the same as the size of a human eye.
8. Most eagles are monotonous
Most eagles mate for life.
9. Their signature hooked beaks are handy for tearing meat
As they feed on vertebrates, they need a strong, hooked beak that makes feeding easier. With a hooked beak, an eagle can tear and pull the flesh of their prey.
10. Eagles can swim
They are known for flying, and you won’t often see one swimming in the water, but they can swim.