Eagles
Eagles are large predatory birds that have been symbols of power, courage, and immortality since ancient times. The more than 50 species all belong to the hawk family, Accipitridae, order Falconiformes. Eagles inhabit all major land regions except Antarctica and New Zealand. Although once abundant, some eagles are becoming rare and face extinction. One rare species is the bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, the national emblem of the United States.
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Bald Eagle Art at Jackson Trading Co.
Handcrafted sculptures, yet very affordable. Also unique photography showing these majestic birds of prey in Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks. Ideal birthday gifts.
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Eagles are noted for their strength and keen vision. Most eagles range from 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) long and have wingspans of about 180 cm (6 ft); one of the smallest, however, the Ayres' eagle, Hieraetus dubius, is only 40 cm (16 in) long, and the largest, the harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja, reaches 100 cm (39 in) in length and has a wingspan up to 2.4 m (8 ft).
All eagles have large, heavy, hooked bills and strong, sharp claws called talons. They are usually brown, black, or gray, sometimes with markings on the head, neck, wings, or tail. The bald eagle is not really bald; it was named for its white head. The rest of its plumage is brown, except for its white tail. Some eagles have a ring of pointed feathers around the head; others, called booted eagles, have feathers on their legs all the way to their talons.
HABITS
Eagles prey on such small animals as fish, rodents, birds, snakes, monkeys, and rabbits. They have very sharp eyesight and hunt while soaring high in the air or watching from a high perch. The eagles swoop down at great speed to make the kill with their powerful talons. With talons and beak they pull apart a prey that is too heavy to carry. Sometimes they steal the catch of other birds, such as ospreys.
The eagle's nest, or aerie, is high in a tree or on a rocky ledge where it cannot be reached by other animals. This precaution is necessary because young eagles remain helpless for a long period. The nest, which is often used by the same pair of birds year after year, is made of sticks and lined with grass and leaves. Each year the birds add new material to the nest. The largest known nest ever measured was 6.1 m (20 ft) deep and 3 m (9.8 ft) across.
The female eagle generally lays one to three brownish, speckled eggs. Either both parents or just the female incubate the eggs, and the female usually feeds the young. The babies, which are covered with down, remain in the nest from 50 to 100 days, depending on the species. They do not develop adult coloration until they are more than 2 years old.
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