Eagles
Eagles are a type of bird that is called a “bird of prey”. They are
expert fliers, and are known for their excellent hunting abilities.
While you might automatically think of a bald eagle, there are
actually more than 70 different kinds of eagles all over the world.
Keep reading to find out more interesting facts about eagles.
What are the characteristics of an eagle?
The specific color and size of an eagle will depend on what type it is,
but there are some characteristics that all eagles share. Eagle are
known for their heavy heads and large, hooked beaks. They are also
known for their strong, powerful legs and sharp talons. Eagles are
covered in feathers, and they have a wide wingspan.
Where do eagles live?
Eagles can be found all over the world, with more than 60 different
species in Eurasia and Africa. Outside of this common space, only
two types of eagle are found in North America, nine in Central and
South America, and three types in Australia.
The two kinds of eagles that are found in North America are the bald
eagle and the golden eagle.
What do eagles like to eat?
While all eagles are powerful predators, the type of food they eat
depends on where they live as well as what their species is. A few
different eagles in Africa mostly eat snakes, whereas the eagles in
North America mainly eat fish and water birds, like ducks. A majority
of eagles only hunt for prey that is smaller than them, but some
eagles have been recorded picking up large deer or other big
animals.
How do eagles hunt?
Eagles are expert fliers, and use this skill to circle around and search
for prey. They have excellent eyesight which helps them to be able to
spot a potential meal from far up in the sky.
Once they have spotted something, they are able to dive down at
speeds of close to 100 miles per hour! The animal never stands a
chance. Eagles have a strong grip and they use their sharp talons to
grab their prey and carry it off to a tree or their nest, where they
then use their hooked beak to tear off pieces.
Quick Facts:
There are over 70 different kinds of eagles
They are known for their hooked beaks, sharp talons, and
expert flying skills
Eagles mainly live in Eurasia and Africa, but a few types live in
the Americas and Australia
Their diet depends on the type, but many eagles eat fish and
small animals
They can dive at speeds of 100 miles per hour
Eagles are birds that are fierce and strong. Although the types of
eagles are very different, there are a few things they all have in
common: they are expert fliers, excellent hunters, and are not meant
to be messed with. These predators are aggressive and graceful, and
have definitely earned their name as birds of prey.
Eagle's excellent eye sight and hooked beaks make them excellent
hunters. Some larger species like the golden eagle are even known to
hunt deer.
Eagle's nests are called eeries and they build them in tall trees or on
high cliffs.
Bald eagles are not really bald. The name comes from 'piebald', an
old English word meaning 'white-headed'.
Eagle Handwriting Worksheet
This poor bald eagle is missing their wings; can you make some from
playdough?
