Eagle

Several, see below.

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 *see Accipitriformes for family list

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Eagles are large birds of prey, which are found mainly in the Old World, with only two species (Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle) in North America, a few in South America and two, (White-bellied Sea Eagle and Wedge-tailed Eagle), in Australia. They are members of the bird order Falconiformes, family Accipitridae and belong to several different genera, not necessarily closely related to each other.

Related Topics:
Birds of prey - Old World - Bald Eagle - Golden Eagle - North America - South America - White-bellied Sea Eagle - Wedge-tailed Eagle - Australia - Bird - Falconiformes - Accipitridae

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In Britain before 1678, Eagle referred specifically to the Golden Eagle, the other native species, the White-tailed Eagle, being known as the Erne. The modern name for Aquila chrysaetos was introduced by the naturalist John Ray.

Related Topics:
Golden Eagle - White-tailed Eagle - John Ray

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Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs and powerful talons. They also have extremely keen eyesight to enable them to spot potential prey from a distance. This keen eyesight is primarily contributed by their extremely large pupils which cause minimal diffraction (spreading) of the incoming light.

Related Topics:
Beak - Talon - Prey - Diffraction

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