Difference between revisions of "Eagle"

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|name=Eagle
 
|name=Eagle
 
|image=Eagle.jpg
 
|image=Eagle.jpg
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|caption=Bald Eagle, ''Haliaeetus leucocephalus''
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|caption=<small>Bald Eagle<br/>''Haliaeetus leucocephalus''</small>
 
|domain=Eukaryota
 
|domain=Eukaryota
 
|kingdom=Animalia  
 
|kingdom=Animalia  
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|subclass=Neornithes  
 
|subclass=Neornithes  
 
|infraclass=Neoaves
 
|infraclass=Neoaves
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|superorder=Passerimorphae
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|superorder=
−
|order=Ciconiiformes
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|order=Accipitriformes
−
|suborder=Ciconii
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|suborder=Accipitres
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|infraorder=Falconides
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|infraorder=
−
|superfamily=
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|superfamily=Accipitroidea
 
|families=
 
|families=
−
|family=Accipitridae  
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|family=Accipitridae
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Eagle''' refers to large diurnal birds of prey from the order ''Falconiformes'', family ''Accipitridae'', and characterized by resemblance to vultures when in flight, but bearing fully-feathered heads and powerful talons capable of taking and killing live prey.  Because of their strength and majestic appearance, eagles have been prominently displayed as heraldic symbols of war and earthly power.
+
'''Eagle''' refers to large diurnal birds of prey from the order Accipitriformes, family Accipitridae, and characterized by resemblance to vultures when in flight, but bearing a fully-feathered head, large hooked beaks, robust body, and powerful talons capable of taking and killing live prey.  They also have extremely sharp vision, allowing them to locate and track prey from an extreme distance.  Because of their strength and majestic appearance, eagles have been prominently displayed as heraldic symbols of war and earthly power.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
Eagles are found throughout the world, from the cold waters of the Arctic north to the tropical rain forests of Africa, Asia, and South America.  They are monogamous, mating for life, and using the same nest every year, which is placed in an inaccessible site (called an eyrie), such as the top of a tree or a cliff face.  The clutch of three to four eggs take six to eight weeks to hatch, but when hatched the young mature slowly, putting on their adult plumage in three to four years.   
+
Eagles are typically two to three feet long and have wingspans from six to eight feet.  The smallest eagle, Ayres' Hawk-eagle, (''Hieraaetus ayresii''), is only 16 inches long, while the largest eagles, the [[harpy eagle]] (''Harpia harpyja''), [[Steller's sea eagle]] (''Haliaeetus pelagicus''), and the [[Philippine eagle]] (''Pithecophaga jefferyi'') each approach 39 inches in length and weigh close to sixteen pounds.   
  
−
Eagles are typically two to three feet long and have wingspans from six to eight feet. The smallest eagle, Ayres' Hawk-eagle, (''Hieraaetus ayresii''), is only 16 inches long, while the largest eagles, the [[Harpy eagle|Harpy]] (''Harpia harpyja''), Steller's sea-eagle (''Haliaeetus pelagicus''), and the Philippine eagle (''Pithecophaga jefferyi'') each approach 39 inches in length and weigh close to sixteen pounds.  All eagles have keen eyesight; experiments conducted on golden eagles (''Aquila chrysaetos'') have determined that they are able to discern, identify, and successfully kill an animal as small as a rabbit from a minimum distance of a quarter-mile away.
+
Eagles have eyes positioned in their heads 30 degrees from the facial midline, giving them a field of view of 340 degrees.  In eagles as large as 10 pounds, their eyes are as physically large as adult humans;<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=O5J8JK07QykC&pg=PA11&redir_esc=y&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref> unlike human eyes they are fixed in their sockets and do not rotate.  Within each eye are two regions of the retina called “foveas” which are specialized for acute eyesight: the shallow fovea – which points forward 15 degrees right or left of the head axis - and the deep fovea, which has higher acuity and points forward as well, but with 45 degrees relative of the head axis.<ref>http://jeb.biologists.org/content/203/24/3745.long?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=J_Exp_Biol_TrendMD_0</ref>  The result is a light gathering power and magnification which gives eagles extremely keen eyesight - estimated to be four to eight times better than humans<ref>https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/02/03/eagle-eyes.aspx</ref> - enabling them to locate, discern, identify, and successfully kill an animal as small as a rabbit from a distance of two or more miles away.<ref>https://allabouteyes.com/blog/best-eyes-animal-kingdom/</ref> 
 +
 
 +
The killing stroke is done with the feet, although recent studies have indicated that the feet function primarily to immobilize the prey, with the actual death resulting from blood loss and the commencement of feeding when the prey animal has been immobilized.<ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776979/</ref>  Eagles have large, deeply-curved talons, with the third and fourth digits bearing talons larger than the other two.  These talons - combined with a grip that has been estimated to be at least 400 psi (in golden and bald eagles) - ensure that the talons are driven deeply into the prey.<ref>http://www.startribune.com/hawks-fierce-grip-to-be-feared/364253441/</ref><ref>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/an-eagle-can-crush-a-monkey-s-skull-with-one-foot-1.2761798</ref> In one instance, a trainer admitted that a trained harpy eagle - with a grip strength described as similar to the power of a rottweiler's jaws - got off the glove and onto his arm, and still in a relaxed state, drove its rear claw through the flesh to the bone.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQrK3dswN_c</ref>
 +
 
 +
Eagles are found on all continents except Antarctica, from the cold waters of the Arctic north to the tropical rain forests of Africa, Asia, and South America.  They are monogamous, mating for life, and using the same nest every year, which is placed in an inaccessible site (called an eyrie), such as the top of a tree or a cliff face.  The clutch of three to four eggs take six to eight weeks to hatch, but when hatched the young mature slowly, putting on their adult plumage in three to four years.
  
 
==Use as symbols==
 
==Use as symbols==
−
[[Image:Mexican arms.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Golden Eagle (''Aquila chrysaetos'') featured in an Aztec legend, now the current arms of Mexico]]
+
[[Image:Mexican arms.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Arms of Mexico, based on an Aztec legend.]]
−
Eagles have been used as symbolds of government and imperial power since at least the time of the [[Babylon]]ians.  In stylized form they have been placed atop the standards of ancient [[Persia]] and Imperial [[Rome]].  A two-headed eagle was used as a coat of arms for the [[Byzantine Empire]], than later as the standard for Czarist Russia and the Hapsburg [[Austrian Empire]].  An [[Azte]]c legend of an eagle clutching a snake while sitting on a cactus led to the founding of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, and later became the coat of arms for [[Mexico]].  The [[United States]] adopted the bald eagle (''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'') as its national emblem.
+
[[File:Tsar monument Helsinki.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Imperial Russian "double-headed" eagle standard.]]
 +
The eagle's in heraldry is, next to the lion, the most widespread image portrayed on a crest, and have been used as symbols of government and imperial power since at least the time of the [[Babylon]]ians.  In stylized form they have been placed atop the standards of ancient [[Persia]] and Imperial [[Rome]], where it was used on field standards of the Roman legions as well as on helmets and coins.  A two-headed eagle was used as a coat of arms for the [[Byzantine Empire]], than later as the standard for [[Charlemagne]]'s Holy Roman Empire, Czarist Russia and the Hapsburg [[Austrian Empire]].  An [[Azte]]c legend of an eagle clutching a snake while sitting on a cactus led to the founding of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, an"d later became the coat of arms for [[Mexico]].  The [[United States]] adopted the bald eagle (''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'') as its national emblem.
 +
 
 +
In traditions, myths and popular beliefs of early civilizations ancient peoples of the eagle is generally considered a symbol of domination and the divine. The symbolism was reinforced by the representation of eagle/animal hybrid beings such as the griffin or the harpies, which emphasized the strength or mental attitude through different animal body parts that were a part of these beings. In ancient Indian mythology, the Garuda is a snake-killing messenger of Vishnu.<ref>https://www.ancient.eu/Garuda/</ref> According to legend, the Sumerian king Gilgamesh was rescued by an eagle.<ref>http://www2.latech.edu/~bmagee/103/gilgamesh.htm</ref> For the ancient Greeks, the eagle was the symbol of the supreme olympic god Zeus,<ref>https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-eagle-a-symbol-of-Zeus</ref> and in ancient Rome it was the sign of the supreme Roman deity Jupiter as well as the imperial power and in the apotheosis the sign of the divinity of the emperor.
 +
 
 +
In many North American Indian tribes the eagle is the messenger to the Creator, and to possess a feather means to honor the Creator in the highest and most humble way.<ref>http://www.muiniskw.org/pgLegacy06_EagleFeather.htm</ref>  It is also a symbol of bravery, and only awarded after a victory against an enemy has been won, and the tale told to the tribal elders afterwards.<ref>http://www.muiniskw.org/pgLegacy06_EagleFeather.htm</ref>
 +
 
 +
Because of its status (specifically the bald eagle) as the national bird of the United States, it is a popular mascot for high school sports teams.  This is especially true within Christian schools due to the eagle being referenced in Isaiah 40:31 as a symbol of the Lord renewing one's strength.
  
 
== Species of eagle ==
 
== Species of eagle ==
 
'''Family ''Accipitridae'''''
 
'''Family ''Accipitridae'''''
−
* '''Subfamily ''Buteoninae''''' - true eagles, sea eagles, hawks (buteo, or buzzard hawks)
+
* '''Subfamily ''Aquilinae''''': true, or booted eagles
−
**Genus ''Aquila''
+
:*Genus ''Aquila''
−
*** Bonelli's Eagle, ''A. fasciata''  
+
:::[[Bonelli's eagle]], ''Aquila fasciata''  
−
*** Booted Eagle, ''A. pennata'' - formerly ''Hieraaetus pennatus''
+
:::[[Booted eagle]], ''Aquila pennata''
−
*** Eastern Imperial Eagle, ''A. heliaca''
+
:::[[Cassin's Hawk-eagle]], ''Aquila africanus''
−
*** Golden Eagle, ''A. chrysaetos''
+
:::[[Eastern imperial eagle]], ''Aquila heliaca''
−
*** Greater Spotted Eagle, ''A. clanga'' 
+
:::[[Golden eagle]], ''Aquila chrysaetos''
−
*** Gurney's Eagle, ''A. gurneyi''
+
:::[[Gurney's eagle]], ''Aquila gurneyi''
−
*** Indian Spotted Eagle, ''A. hastata''
+
:::[[Little eagle]], ''Aquila morphnoides''
−
*** Lesser Spotted Eagle, ''A. pomarina''
+
:::[[Spanish imperial eagle]], ''Aquila adalberti''  
−
*** Little Eagle, ''A. morphnoides''
+
:::[[Steppe eagle]], ''Aquila nipalensis''
−
*** Spanish Imperial Eagle ''A. adalberti''  
+
:::[[Tawny eagle]], ''Aquila rapax''
−
*** Steppe Eagle, ''A. nipalensis''
+
:::[[Verreaux's eagle]], ''Aquila verreauxii''
−
*** Tawny Eagle, ''A. rapax''
+
:::[[Wahlberg's eagle]], ''Aquila wahlbergi''
−
*** Verreaux's Eagle, ''A. verreauxii''
+
:::[[Wedge-tailed eagle]], ''Aquila audax''
−
*** Wahlberg's Eagle, ''A. wahlbergi''
+
:*Genus ''Clanga''
−
*** Wedge-tailed Eagle, ''A. audax''
+
:::[[Greater spotted eagle]], ''Clanga clanga''
−
**Genus ''Geranoaetus''
+
:::[[Indian spotted eagle]], ''Clanga hastata''
−
*** Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, ''Geranoaetus melanoleucus''
+
:::[[Lesser spotted eagle]], ''Clanga pomarina''
−
**Genus ''Haliaeetus''
+
:*Genus ''Geranoaetus''
−
*** African Fish-eagle, ''H. vocifer''
+
:::[[Black-chested buzzard eagle]], ''Geranoaetus melanoleucus''
−
*** Bald Eagle, ''H. leucocephalus''
+
:*Genus ''Hieraaetus''
−
*** Madagascar Fish-eagle, ''H. vociferoides''
+
:::[[African hawk eagle]], ''Hieraaetus spilogaster''
−
*** Pallas' Sea-eagle, ''H. leucoryphus''
+
:::[[Ayre's hawk eagle]], ''Hieraaetus ayresii''
−
*** Sanford's Fish-eagle, ''H. sanfordi''
+
:::[[Rufous-bellied eagle]], ''Hieraaetus kienerii''
−
*** Steller's Sea-eagle, ''H. pelagicus''
+
:*Genus ''Ictinaetus''
−
*** White-bellied Sea-eagle, ''H. leucogaster''
+
:::[[Black eagle]], ''Ictinaetus malayensis''
−
*** White-tailed Eagle, ''Haliaeetus albicilla''
+
:*Genus ''Lophaetus''
−
**Genus ''Harpagornis'' (extinct)
+
:::[[Long-crested eagle]], ''Lophaetus occipitalis''  
−
*** Haast's Eagle, ''Harpagornis moorei''  
+
:*Genus ''Morphnus''
−
**Genus ''Harpia''
+
:::[[Crested eagle]], ''Morphnus guianensis''
−
*** Harpy Eagle, ''Harpia harpyja''
+
:*Genus ''Nisaetus''
−
**Genus ''Harpyhaliaetus''
+
:::[[Blyth's Hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus alboniger''
−
*** Crowned Solitary Eagle, ''Harpyhaliaetus coronatus''
+
:::[[Changeable hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus cirrhatus''
−
*** Solitary Eagle, ''H. solitarius''
+
:::[[Javan hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus bartelsi''
−
**Genus ''Harpyopsis''
+
:::[[Mountain hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus nipalensis''
−
*** New Guinea Eagle, ''Harpyopsis novaeguineae''
+
:::[[Philippine hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus philippensis''
−
**Genus ''Hieraaetus''
+
:::[[Sulawesi hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus lanceolatus''
−
*** African Hawk Eagle, ''H. spilogaster''
+
:::[[Wallace's hawk-eagle]], ''Nisaetus nanus''
−
*** Ayres' Hawk-eagle, ''Hieraaetus ayresii''
+
:*Genus ''Polemaetus''
−
*** Rufous-bellied Eagle, ''H. kienerii''
+
:::[[Martial eagle]], ''Polemaetus bellicosus''
−
**Genus ''Ichthyophaga''
+
:*Genus ''Spizaetus''
−
*** Grey-headed Fish-eagle, ''I. ichthyaetus''
+
:::[[Black-and-chestnut eagle]], ''Spizaetus isidori''
−
*** Lesser Fish-eagle, ''Ichthyophaga humilis''
+
:::[[Black hawk-eagle]], ''Spizaetus tyrannus''
−
**Genus ''Ictinaetus''
+
:::[[Black-and-white hawk-eagle]], ''Spizaetus melanoleucus''
−
*** Black Eagle, ''Ictinaetus malayensis''
+
:::[[Ornate hawk-eagle]], ''Spizaetus ornatus''
−
**Genus ''Lophaetus''
+
:*Genus ''Stephanoaetus''
−
*** Long-crested Eagle, ''Lophaetus occipitalis''  
+
:::[[African crowned eagle]], ''Stephanoaetus coronatus''
−
**Genus ''Morphnus''
+
*'''Subfamily ''Haliaeetinae''''': sea eagles
−
*** Crested Eagle, ''Morphnus guianensis''
+
:*Genus ''Haliaeetus''
−
**Genus ''Oroaetus''
+
:::[[African fish eagle]], ''Haliaeetus vocifer''
−
*** Black-and-chestnut Eagle, ''Oroaetus isidori''
+
:::[[Bald eagle]], ''Haliaeetus leucocephalus''
−
**Genus ''Pithecophaga''
+
:::[[Gray-headed fish eagle]], ''Haliaeetus ichthyaetus''
−
*** Philippine Eagle, ''Pithecophaga jefferyi''
+
:::[[Lesser fish eagle]], ''Haliaeetus humilis''
−
**Genus ''Polemaetus''
+
:::[[Madagascar fish eagle]], ''Haliaeetus vociferoides''
−
*** Martial Eagle, ''Polemaetus bellicosus''
+
:::[[Pallas's fish eagle]], ''Haliaeetus leucoryphus''
−
**Genus ''Spizaetus''
+
:::[[Sanford's sea eagle]], ''Haliaeetus sanfordi''
−
*** Black Hawk-eagle, ''S. tyrannus''
+
:::[[Steller's sea eagle]], ''Haliaeetus pelagicus''
−
*** Black-and-white Hawk-eagle, ''S. melanoleucus''
+
:::[[White-bellied sea eagle]], ''Haliaeetus leucogaster''
−
*** Blyth's Hawk-eagle, ''S. alboniger''
+
:::[[White-tailed eagle]], ''Haliaeetus albicilla''
−
*** Cassin's Hawk-eagle, ''Spizaetus africanus''
+
*'''Subfamily ''[[Harpiinae]]''': harpy eagles
−
*** Changeable Hawk-eagle, ''S. cirrhatus''
+
:*Genus ''Harpagornis'' (extinct)
−
*** Javan Hawk-eagle, ''S. bartelsi''
+
:::[[Haast's eagle]], ''Harpagornis moorei''  
−
*** Mountain Hawk-eagle, ''S. nipalensis''
+
:*Genus ''Harpia''
−
*** Ornate Hawk-eagle, ''S. ornatus''
+
:::[[Harpy eagle]], ''Harpia harpyja''
−
*** Philippine Hawk-eagle, ''S. philippensis''
+
:*Genus ''Harpyhaliatus''
−
*** Sulawesi Hawk-eagle, ''S. lanceolatus''
+
:::[[Crowned solitary eagle]], ''Harpyhaliaetus coronatus''
−
*** Wallace's Hawk-eagle, ''S. nanus''
+
:::[[Solitary eagle]], ''Harpyhaliaetus solitarius''
−
**Genus ''Stephanoaetus''
+
:*Genus ''Harpyopsis''
−
*** Crowned Hawk-eagle, ''Stephanoaetus coronatus''
+
:::[[New Guinea harpy eagle]], ''Harpyopsis novaeguineae''
 
* '''Subfamily ''Circaetinae''''': snake-eagles
 
* '''Subfamily ''Circaetinae''''': snake-eagles
−
**Genus ''Circaetus''
+
:*Genus ''Circaetus''
−
*** Banded Snake-eagle, ''C. cinerascens''
+
:::[[Banded snake-eagle]], ''Circaetus cinerascens''
−
**Genus ''Eutriorchis''
+
:::[[Beaudouin's snake-eagle]], ''Circaetus beaudouini''
−
*** Madagascar Serpent-eagle, ''Eutriorchis astur''
+
:::[[Black-chested snake-eagle]], ''Circaetus pectoralis''
−
*** Black-chested Snake-eagle, ''C. pectoralis''
+
:::[[Brown snake-eagle]], ''Circaetus cinereus''
−
*** Brown Snake-eagle, ''C. cinereus''
+
:::[[Fasciated snake-eagle]], ''Circaetus fasciolatus''
−
*** Fasciated Snake-eagle, ''C. fasciolatus''
+
:::[[Short-toed eagle]], ''Circaetus gallicus''
−
*** Short-toed Eagle, ''Circaetus gallicus''
+
:*Genus ''Eutriorchis''
−
**Genus ''Spilornis''
+
:::[[Madagascar serpent-eagle]], ''Eutriorchis astur''
−
*** Andaman Serpent-eagle, ''S. elgini''
+
:*Genus ''Pithecophaga''
−
*** Crested Serpent-eagle, ''Spilornis cheela''
+
:::[[Philippine eagle]], ''Pithecophaga jefferyi''
−
*** Mountain Serpent-eagle,''S. kinabaluensis''
+
:*Genus ''Spilornis''
−
*** Nicobar Serpent-eagle, ''S. minimus''
+
:::[[Andaman serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis elgini''
−
*** Philippine Serpent-eagle, ''S. holospilus''
+
:::[[Crested serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis cheela''
−
*** Sulawesi Serpent-eagle, ''S. rufipectus''
+
:::[[Great Nicobar serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis klossi''
−
**Genus ''Terathopius''
+
:::[[Kinabalu serpent-eagle]],''Spilornis kinabaluensis''
−
*** Bateleur, ''Terathopius ecaudatus''
+
:::[[Philippine serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis holospilus''
 +
:::[[Sulawesi serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis rufipectus''
 +
:*Genus ''Terathopius''
 +
:::[[Bateleur]], ''Terathopius ecaudatus''
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
{{Reflist}}
  
 
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Birds of Prey]][[Category:Eagles]]
 
[[Category:Birds]][[Category:Birds of Prey]][[Category:Eagles]]

Latest revision as of 02:32, October 21, 2026

Eagle refers to large diurnal birds of prey from the order Accipitriformes, family Accipitridae, and characterized by resemblance to vultures when in flight, but bearing a fully-feathered head, large hooked beaks, robust body, and powerful talons capable of taking and killing live prey. They also have extremely sharp vision, allowing them to locate and track prey from an extreme distance. Because of their strength and majestic appearance, eagles have been prominently displayed as heraldic symbols of war and earthly power.

Eagle
Eagle.jpg
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Scientific classification
Kingdom Information
Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Animalia
Subkingdom Bilateria
Branch Deuterostomia
Phylum Information
Phylum Chordata
Sub-phylum Vertebrata
Infraphylum Gnathostomata
Class Information
Superclass Tetrapoda
Class Aves
Sub-class Neornithes
Infra-class Neoaves
Order Information
Order Accipitriformes
Sub-order Accipitres
Family Information
Superfamily Accipitroidea
Family Accipitridae
Population statistics

Description

Eagles are typically two to three feet long and have wingspans from six to eight feet. The smallest eagle, Ayres' Hawk-eagle, (Hieraaetus ayresii), is only 16 inches long, while the largest eagles, the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), and the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) each approach 39 inches in length and weigh close to sixteen pounds.

Eagles have eyes positioned in their heads 30 degrees from the facial midline, giving them a field of view of 340 degrees. In eagles as large as 10 pounds, their eyes are as physically large as adult humans;[1] unlike human eyes they are fixed in their sockets and do not rotate. Within each eye are two regions of the retina called “foveas” which are specialized for acute eyesight: the shallow fovea – which points forward 15 degrees right or left of the head axis - and the deep fovea, which has higher acuity and points forward as well, but with 45 degrees relative of the head axis.[2] The result is a light gathering power and magnification which gives eagles extremely keen eyesight - estimated to be four to eight times better than humans[3] - enabling them to locate, discern, identify, and successfully kill an animal as small as a rabbit from a distance of two or more miles away.[4]

The killing stroke is done with the feet, although recent studies have indicated that the feet function primarily to immobilize the prey, with the actual death resulting from blood loss and the commencement of feeding when the prey animal has been immobilized.[5] Eagles have large, deeply-curved talons, with the third and fourth digits bearing talons larger than the other two. These talons - combined with a grip that has been estimated to be at least 400 psi (in golden and bald eagles) - ensure that the talons are driven deeply into the prey.[6][7] In one instance, a trainer admitted that a trained harpy eagle - with a grip strength described as similar to the power of a rottweiler's jaws - got off the glove and onto his arm, and still in a relaxed state, drove its rear claw through the flesh to the bone.[8]

Eagles are found on all continents except Antarctica, from the cold waters of the Arctic north to the tropical rain forests of Africa, Asia, and South America. They are monogamous, mating for life, and using the same nest every year, which is placed in an inaccessible site (called an eyrie), such as the top of a tree or a cliff face. The clutch of three to four eggs take six to eight weeks to hatch, but when hatched the young mature slowly, putting on their adult plumage in three to four years.

Use as symbols

 
Arms of Mexico, based on an Aztec legend.
 
Imperial Russian "double-headed" eagle standard.

The eagle's in heraldry is, next to the lion, the most widespread image portrayed on a crest, and have been used as symbols of government and imperial power since at least the time of the Babylonians. In stylized form they have been placed atop the standards of ancient Persia and Imperial Rome, where it was used on field standards of the Roman legions as well as on helmets and coins. A two-headed eagle was used as a coat of arms for the Byzantine Empire, than later as the standard for Charlemagne's Holy Roman Empire, Czarist Russia and the Hapsburg Austrian Empire. An Aztec legend of an eagle clutching a snake while sitting on a cactus led to the founding of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, an"d later became the coat of arms for Mexico. The United States adopted the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as its national emblem.

In traditions, myths and popular beliefs of early civilizations ancient peoples of the eagle is generally considered a symbol of domination and the divine. The symbolism was reinforced by the representation of eagle/animal hybrid beings such as the griffin or the harpies, which emphasized the strength or mental attitude through different animal body parts that were a part of these beings. In ancient Indian mythology, the Garuda is a snake-killing messenger of Vishnu.[9] According to legend, the Sumerian king Gilgamesh was rescued by an eagle.[10] For the ancient Greeks, the eagle was the symbol of the supreme olympic god Zeus,[11] and in ancient Rome it was the sign of the supreme Roman deity Jupiter as well as the imperial power and in the apotheosis the sign of the divinity of the emperor.

In many North American Indian tribes the eagle is the messenger to the Creator, and to possess a feather means to honor the Creator in the highest and most humble way.[12] It is also a symbol of bravery, and only awarded after a victory against an enemy has been won, and the tale told to the tribal elders afterwards.[13]

Because of its status (specifically the bald eagle) as the national bird of the United States, it is a popular mascot for high school sports teams. This is especially true within Christian schools due to the eagle being referenced in Isaiah 40:31 as a symbol of the Lord renewing one's strength.

Species of eagle

Family Accipitridae

  • Subfamily Aquilinae: true, or booted eagles
  • Genus Aquila
Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata
Booted eagle, Aquila pennata
Cassin's Hawk-eagle, Aquila africanus
Eastern imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Gurney's eagle, Aquila gurneyi
Little eagle, Aquila morphnoides
Spanish imperial eagle, Aquila adalberti
Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis
Tawny eagle, Aquila rapax
Verreaux's eagle, Aquila verreauxii
Wahlberg's eagle, Aquila wahlbergi
Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax
  • Genus Clanga
Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga
Indian spotted eagle, Clanga hastata
Lesser spotted eagle, Clanga pomarina
  • Genus Geranoaetus
Black-chested buzzard eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus
  • Genus Hieraaetus
African hawk eagle, Hieraaetus spilogaster
Ayre's hawk eagle, Hieraaetus ayresii
Rufous-bellied eagle, Hieraaetus kienerii
  • Genus Ictinaetus
Black eagle, Ictinaetus malayensis
  • Genus Lophaetus
Long-crested eagle, Lophaetus occipitalis
  • Genus Morphnus
Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis
  • Genus Nisaetus
Blyth's Hawk-eagle, Nisaetus alboniger
Changeable hawk-eagle, Nisaetus cirrhatus
Javan hawk-eagle, Nisaetus bartelsi
Mountain hawk-eagle, Nisaetus nipalensis
Philippine hawk-eagle, Nisaetus philippensis
Sulawesi hawk-eagle, Nisaetus lanceolatus
Wallace's hawk-eagle, Nisaetus nanus
  • Genus Polemaetus
Martial eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus
  • Genus Spizaetus
Black-and-chestnut eagle, Spizaetus isidori
Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
  • Genus Stephanoaetus
African crowned eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus
  • Subfamily Haliaeetinae: sea eagles
  • Genus Haliaeetus
African fish eagle, Haliaeetus vocifer
Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Gray-headed fish eagle, Haliaeetus ichthyaetus
Lesser fish eagle, Haliaeetus humilis
Madagascar fish eagle, Haliaeetus vociferoides
Pallas's fish eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus
Sanford's sea eagle, Haliaeetus sanfordi
Steller's sea eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus
White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla
  • Genus Harpagornis (extinct)
Haast's eagle, Harpagornis moorei
  • Genus Harpia
Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
  • Genus Harpyhaliatus
Crowned solitary eagle, Harpyhaliaetus coronatus
Solitary eagle, Harpyhaliaetus solitarius
  • Genus Harpyopsis
New Guinea harpy eagle, Harpyopsis novaeguineae
  • Subfamily Circaetinae: snake-eagles
  • Genus Circaetus
Banded snake-eagle, Circaetus cinerascens
Beaudouin's snake-eagle, Circaetus beaudouini
Black-chested snake-eagle, Circaetus pectoralis
Brown snake-eagle, Circaetus cinereus
Fasciated snake-eagle, Circaetus fasciolatus
Short-toed eagle, Circaetus gallicus
  • Genus Eutriorchis
Madagascar serpent-eagle, Eutriorchis astur
  • Genus Pithecophaga
Philippine eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi
  • Genus Spilornis
Andaman serpent-eagle, Spilornis elgini
Crested serpent-eagle, Spilornis cheela
Great Nicobar serpent-eagle, Spilornis klossi
Kinabalu serpent-eagle,Spilornis kinabaluensis
Philippine serpent-eagle, Spilornis holospilus
Sulawesi serpent-eagle, Spilornis rufipectus
  • Genus Terathopius
Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus

References