Eagles, large predatory birds, are often referred to as the “lords of the sky,” inhabiting high mountains and pristine forests. Eagles are regarded as powerful and majestic creatures. In many cultures, eagles symbolize strength, courage, vision, and immortality.
Eagles belong to the order Accipitriformes, class Aves, family Accipitridae. They are found in mountainous and undisturbed forest areas, such as the coasts of Australia, Indonesia, and Africa, but primarily on the Eurasian continent, which is home to around 60 species. The remaining 11 species are found on other continents, including 2 species in North America, 9 species in Central and South America, and 3 species in Australia.
There are various distinguishing characteristics among eagle species, with notable differences in feather coloration and size. The largest eagle species can reach over 1 meter in length and weigh up to 7 kg, while the smallest species measures only 0.4 meters in length and weighs just over 0.5 kg. Female eagles are generally larger than males, weighing about 25% more.
Some unverified sources claim that eagles can have wingspans of over 3 meters and weigh up to 30 kg. In reality, eagles are smaller, with wingspans ranging from 1.5 to 2 meters.
Their primary diet consists of small to medium-sized animals, ranging from bats to creatures as large as the Philippine deer, depending on their habitat. For instance, on Luzon Island, their main prey includes monkeys, birds, flying foxes, and fish, while on Mindanao Island, they hunt tarsiers, snakes, and lizards… They even prey on ungulates such as piglets and small dogs. From high above, eagles can dive at incredible speeds to catch and quickly subdue their prey.
Eagles typically build their nests on mountains or tall trees. Their nests are large, and each year they bring new branches to reinforce their nests. The nest is where the female lays her eggs. During each breeding season, the female usually lays 2 eggs. As the parents can only rear one chick, there often ensues a battle between the two chicks, with the stronger one surviving to adulthood.
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is the largest of nearly 100 eagle species worldwide, weighing up to 10 kg. Its nest is built about 15 – 20 meters high on large trees (which can be up to 150 meters tall with a diameter of 2.5 meters). The breeding season typically occurs in February to March, with eggs laid in April to May.
Eagles have an average lifespan of about 70 years, making them one of the longest-lived animal species. However, before reaching this age, eagles must endure a harsh and painful transformation process.
At the age of 40, an eagle’s beak begins to weaken. Its feathers become too thick and heavy, making it difficult to fly swiftly and high. This is when an eagle must make one of two decisions: wait to die or undergo a painful molting process lasting 150 days.
At its nest on a mountaintop, the eagle will strike its beak against a rock until it breaks off. Once a new beak forms, it will begin to break all its talons.
Once the new talons are strong enough, the eagle will pluck out its feathers until it is bare, waiting for new feathers to grow. It is a painful molting process… one that cannot be endured without a strong will.
Moreover, eagles are known as intelligent animals that are willing to face challenges, most notably demonstrated by their approach to storms.
Unlike other species that flee from storms, eagles will fly high to the mountaintops and wait. When the storm hits, eagles take advantage of its force to elevate their wings and soar high into the sky.
For eagles, storms are not harbingers of doom. They are levers, opportunities to reinforce their dominance over the skies.
Interesting Facts About Eagles
Eagles can sleep while standing. They have a special mechanism in their legs that allows them to lock their position or grip tightly with their talons on branches, enabling them to sleep while standing firm.
Some eagle species can soar for extended periods without flapping their wings. They utilize thermal updrafts to do so.
Eagles have one million light-sensitive cells per millimeter of retina, which is five times more than in humans.
Eagles play a vital role in many cultures—both modern and ancient—and are a popular symbol featured in many emblems.
