Interesting Facts about Eagle
- Most of the more than sixty species of eagles occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just eleven species can be found – two species (the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle) in the United States and Canada, nine species in Central America and South America, and three species in Australia.
- The smallest species of eagle is the South Nicobar Serpent Eagle at 450 grams and 16 inches.
- Eagles' eyes are extremely powerful, having up to 3.6 times human acuity for the martial eagle, which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance.
- In all species of eagle female is larger than male.
- Eagles normally build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs.
- Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched. The parents take no action to stop the killing.
- Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world.
- Golden and Crowned Eagles have killed ungulates weighing up to 30 kg and a Martial Eagle even killed a 37 kg duiker, 7 to 8 times heavier than the predating eagle
- Golden Eagles maintain home ranges or territories that may be as large as 200 km.
- They build large nests in high places (mainly cliffs) to which they may return for several breeding years.
- Females lay up to four eggs, and then incubate them for six weeks.
- A typical, unhurried soaring speed in Golden Eagles is around 45–52 kilometer per hour, When hunting or displaying, the Golden Eagle is capable of very fast gliding, attaining speeds of up to 190 km/h.
- When diving in the direction of prey or during territorial displays, the eagle holds its wings tight and partially closed against their body and the legs up against tail.
- The Golden Eagle is a very large, dark brown raptor with broad wings. However, its size is variable: it ranges from 26 to 40 inch in length and it has a typical wingspan of 5 ft 11 inch to 7 ft 8 inch. This species' wingspan is the fifth largest amongst extant eagle species.
