What Is an Eagle?
An eagle is a large, powerful bird of prey known for its sharp vision, strong talons, and majestic flight. Eagles belong to the family Accipitridae and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Did you know? Eagles can spot prey from over 2 miles away!
Common English Vocabulary
- Eagle – a large bird of prey with a hooked beak and powerful talons
- Talon – sharp claws on a bird of prey’s feet
- Beak – the hard, pointed mouth of a bird
- Nest – a structure built by birds to lay eggs; eagles build huge nests called aeries
- Soar – to fly high in the air without flapping wings
- Precipice – a steep cliff, often where eagles nest
- Raptor – another word for birds of prey, including eagles
Famous Types of Eagles
- Bald Eagle – National bird of the United States; has a white head and brown body.
- Golden Eagle – Found across the Northern Hemisphere; known for speed and strength.
- Harpy Eagle – One of the largest and most powerful eagles, native to Central and South America.
- Philippine Eagle – Critically endangered; one of the rarest eagles in the world.
Cultural Significance
In many cultures, the eagle symbolizes freedom, power, courage, and vision. For example:
- The Bald Eagle appears on the Great Seal of the United States.
- In ancient Rome, the eagle (aquila) was the standard of a Roman legion.
- Native American tribes view the eagle as a sacred messenger between humans and the Creator.
Fun Facts
- Eagles can live up to 30 years in the wild.
- They mate for life and often return to the same nest year after year.
- Some eagle nests weigh over 1 ton and are used for decades!
- Eagles don’t hunt cats or small dogs—they prefer fish, rabbits, and other natural prey.