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Eagle

This article is about the broad family of birds. For other meanings, see Eagle (disambiguation).


Eagle

Closeup view of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle showing the hooked beak. Larger image
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes*
Family: Accipitridae
Genera: Aquila, Haliaeetus, Pithecophaga, Circaetus

(*) Scientists argue whether Accipitriformes are a separate order, or belong to the Falconiformes.
Collective name for a group of large predatory birds. Eagles are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves, order Falconiformes, family Accipitridae. Eagles are found in almost all parts of the world.

The eagle has been used by many nations as a national symbol, depicting both power and beauty. The Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt used it as their seal, while the Romans used it on the standards of their armies. The United States adopted the North American Bald Eagle as its national emblem.

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.

Species

Genus Aquila. Typical eagles.


Lesser-spotted Eagle

Steppe Eagle

Genus Haliaeetus, Sea eagles:

Genus Pithecophaga, Monkey-eating eagles:

Genus Circaetus, Snake eagles:

The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle are the only eagles native to North America.

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