21 Interesting Facts About Eagles

The eagle is a bird that in many cultures has become a symbol of courage, pride, bravery, and other positive qualities. Yes, in nature, eagles are one of the most formidable representatives of birds, and the only creature that poses a real threat to them is a person who drives eagles out of their habitats. Nevertheless, there are still many corners on Earth where eagles are found in abundance.

• Eagle wingspan reaches 2.4 meters with a body length of up to 88 centimeters.
• Eagles soar above the ground at a speed of 190 to 240 kilometers per hour. If a bird sees a potential victim, it can accelerate up to 320 kilometers per hour during a dive.
• Eagles fly up to 7-9 kilometers. Not every plane can reach such a height.
• Thanks to the special arrangement of the wings, eagles are able to fly safely even in a hurricane.
• The expression “eagle vision” is based on real facts – these birds of prey are able to cover the surface of 11.5 kilometers, see the hare from a height of more than 3 kilometers, and their peripheral vision angle is 270 degrees.
• Each eagle’s eye is capable of focusing on two objects at the same time (in humans, only one).
• Eagle eyes cover two eyelids – transparent and opaque. The first protects the eyes from the wind, the second allows the birds to sleep.
• Eagles are able to take prey from a smaller bird on the fly or attack it itself.
• Female eagles are much larger than males.
• Males often help eagles hatch eggs.
• Eagles build their nests at the maximum height available in the area to keep their chicks safe. The nests are expanded and completed year after year. They are the largest birds build.
• Eagles find themselves a pair once and for life. Scientists have discovered a couple who have lived together for over 35 years.
• Eaglets begin to hunt on their own when they are 3 months old. These birds reach full maturity by 4-5 years.
• If two chicks hatch in the nest, the stronger one will try to get rid of its brother or sister for 2 months. If he survives, then they begin to live peacefully side by side with each other.
• In antiquity, eagles were considered a symbol of victory and good luck, and in Egypt and China – a symbol of the sun.
• The eagle has long been considered a divine bird in many religions. The rulers of the Aztecs decorated costumes with eagle feathers in order to bring themselves closer to the deities.
• After 40 years, the beak and claws of large species of eagles grow to such an extent that the birds practically lose the opportunity to eat and hunt. There are two options for the further development of events: the eagle either dies or breaks its beak against stones, pulls out claws and old feathers, and six months later revives to live on.
• Eagles can mate in flight.
• Perfect aerodynamics is vital for eagles, so if a bird loses a feather from one wing, the same feather will fall out of the other.
• The eagle’s skeleton weighs half as much as its feathers.
• The eagle is able to lift a small deer into the air.