Eagles are big and powerful built birds of prey. There are many amazing things you’ll want to know about these truly spectacular birds. So here are some of the most interesting eagle facts.
The Steller’s Sea Eagle Is The Largest Eagle Species In The World
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is a truly huge bird of prey that’s famous for its large size. It is the heaviest eagle reaching a weight of 20 pounds (9kg) and in addition, has an incredibly wide wingspan. The Steller’s sea eagle also has a distinct and robust yellow bill. Its bill is considered to be the largest of any eagle species as well.
There Are 60 Different Eagle Species
Scientists have recognized 60 distinct species of eagles. These are divided into 4 groups based on their unique characteristics and diet. These groups include harpy eagles, fish and sea eagles, snake eagles, and booted eagles.
The White-Tailed Eagle Has The Largest Wingspan Of Any Eagle
While the Stellar’s sea eagles come close, the white-tailed eagle is believed to have the largest wingspan of any eagle species on the planet at around eight feet (2.45 meters). This species is the largest eagle in Europe and is the national bird of Poland.
The Golden Eagle Is The Fastest Eagle In The World
While many eagle species can fly at high speeds, the golden eagle is the fastest of them all. It can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour (322 km/h) when flying. The only other bird faster than this is the peregrine falcon which is the fastest bird on the planet.
The Bald Eagle Is Not Really Bald
Some birds of prey such as vultures do have featherless heads. However, despite its name the bald eagle isn’t bald at all. The “bald” in its name comes from the old English meaning of the word “bald,” meaning white. Of course, this is a description of the species’ white-colored head.
The South Nicobar Serpent Eagle Is The Smallest Eagle
Native to India, in the Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, the South Nicobar serpent eagle is considered to be the smallest eagle species. Unlike its larger cousins, it typically weighs only around 1 pound (450g) when fully mature.
The Bateleur Eagle Can Change Colors
The Bateleur is a medium-sized and colorful eagle that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the most amazing bateleur eagle facts is that the skin on this bird’s face and legs actually changes color depending on its mood. When it’s excited its skin quickly changes from a pale red or orange to a brilliant red in color.
Females Eagles Are Larger Than Males
For most types of animals and the majority of bird species, the males are larger than the females. However, one of the facts about eagles that sets them apart in the animal kingdom, is that female eagles are bigger and stronger than males. This is known as “reverse sexual dimorphism” and is also the case with other raptors such as hawks, owls, and falcons.
Eagles Kill Their Prey With Their Talons
All eagles have feet that are equipped with sharp and powerful talons. Each individual foot has four. These hooked talons not only catch and grasp prey but are driven into the body of the prey killing it. The eagle may sometimes use its beak to kill larger prey when required. In contrast falcons and owls always kill their prey with a bite from their beaks.
Eagles Have Excellent Vision
Eagles are famous for their fantastic eyesight and because of this, they are able to spot their prey from several miles away. Speaking of spectacular vision, one of the bald eagle facts that many people don’t know is that their vision is so good that they can see in the UV range of light giving them the ability to spot the urine trails of their prey.
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