The different types of eagles around the world

Bald eagle soaring in the Rocky Mountain high country. Original illustrative composition, created by me using Vue 3D software.

Introduction

Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey that are found in many different areas around the world, and they have some unique physical features and behaviors that set them apart from other birds.

Table of Contents

flying eagles

There are different types of eagles found all around the world.

The Bald Eagle is one of the most well-known types of eagle, and it can be found in North America. The Bald Eagle is easily recognizable due to its white head and brown body.

The White-tailed Eagle is another type of eagle that can be found in Europe. This eagle has a dark brown body with white tail feathers.

The African Fish Eagle is a type of eagle that can be found in Africa. This eagle has a brown body and white head.

The Harpy Eagle is the largest type of eagle, and it can be found in Central and South America. This eagle has a wingspan of over 7 feet!

No matter which type of eagle you encounter, they are all majestic creatures that deserve respect and admiration. While they may appear intimidating due to their size and power, eagles are fascinating animals with many interesting behaviors and traits. Learning more about them can help us appreciate these beautiful birds even more!

 

The different types of eagles

There are many species of eagle around the world, including the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) found in North America, and the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) which is native to Europe. Other types of eagles include the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) which is found in Africa and the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) which can be spotted in parts of Europe and Asia.

sitting the eggles
White tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

How to identify an eagle

Most eagles have brown wings and a white head, but there are a few exceptions. For example, the Bald Eagle has a brown body and white head, while the White-tailed Eagle has a dark brown body with white tail feathers.

What do eagles eat?

Most eagles feed on small mammals such as rabbits and squirrels, as well as fish and other birds.

A mature White tailed Eagle plucks a Coal fish from the cold grey waters of a Norwegian fjord.
Bald eagle with fish

The hunting habits of eagles

Eagles typically hunt in open areas, using their sharp eyesight to spot potential prey. They will then dive down onto their target with lightning speed and use their talons to capture it.

How do eagles raise their young

Eagles typically build large nests, known as eyries, high up in trees or on cliffs. The female will lay two to three eggs and will incubate them for around a month before they hatch. When the chicks are born, both parents will feed them until they can fly and hunt by themselves.

Bald Eagle in Nest with Eaglet

Fun facts about eagles

Eagles have exceptional eyesight, with some species able to spot prey from over two miles away.

– The Bald Eagle is the national symbol of the United States and can be found on coins, flags and other official documents.

– The Harpy Eagle is the largest eagle species, with a wingspan of over 7 feet!

Which eagle is the smartest?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different eagle species exhibit different levels of intelligence. However, some eagles are known to be particularly clever when it comes to problem-solving and learning new tasks.

 

For example, the Harpy Eagle is one of the smartest eagles around, and it has been known to use tools to capture prey. The Bald Eagle is also quite intelligent and has been observed playing games with other birds and caching food items in trees for later consumption.

 

So while there is no clear winner when it comes to eagle intelligence, all eagle species are definitely smart creatures that deserve our respect!

A young junior bald eagle soaring up in the sky.
White tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila Adalbert

The Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila Adalbert) is a large eagle found in southern Europe and North Africa. This species is the second largest eagle in the world, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle is a very impressive bird, and it has some unique features that set it apart from other eagles. For example, it has a dark brown body with lighter brown markings, and its feathers are especially sleek and shiny.

This eagle is also very proficient at hunting, and it specializes in capturing prey such as rabbits, hares, and foxes. The Spanish Imperial Eagle typically hunts in open areas, using its sharp eyesight to spot prey from a distance. It will then swoop down onto its target with deadly accuracy and use its powerful talons to capture it.

Like all eagles, the Spanish Imperial Eagle builds a large nest known as an eyrie. Here, the female will lay 2-3 eggs and will incubate them for around 35 days before they hatch. Once the chicks are born, both parents will feed them until they are able to fend for themselves.

The Spanish Imperial Eagle is a beautiful and deadly predator, and it is definitely worth taking the time to learn more about this impressive bird!

Conclusion

Eagles are fascinating birds that exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors and have some unique physical features. There are many different types of eagles around the world, each with their own characteristics and habits. From the majestic Bald Eagle to the giant Harpy Eagle, these birds are sure to impress anyone who crosses their path. So if you ever get the chance to spot an eagle, take a moment to appreciate one of nature’s most iconic predators!

Julian Goldie - Owner of ChiperBirds.com

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.