Top ten facts about the eagle
Eagles are strong birds that hunt for food. They see far and clear and people use them as signs of power. The bald eagle has served as the United States emblem since 1782; it stands for strength plus freedom. First Nations in Canada honor the bird and the Bible mentions it as a sign of God's power.
More than 60 kinds of eagles live on Earth. Most stay in Europe, Asia besides Africa. The Americas host the golden and bald eagles. The southern snake eagle ranks as the tiniest - the Steller's sea eagle ranks as the heaviest. Eagles eat meat. They grab fish, small mammals but also at times other birds. Some drop prey from high up to kill it.
Eagles fly with skill. They rise to 15,000 feet and drop at 100 miles per hour. They save strength by gliding on warm air. Their eyes spot food three miles away and sweep 340 degrees. The eyeball matches a human eye in size - yet the eagle sees far better giving the phrase “eagle-eye view” real meaning.
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One male as well as one female stay together for life. The male brings food - the female sits on the eggs for about 35 days. Parents stop feeding the young to push them to leave the nest. Wild eagles reach 20 to 30 years. The curve of the beak hints at age. Stories that eagles pluck out feathers or beaks to grow young again are false.
Eagles keep balance in flight by losing the same feathers on each wing. Several kinds including the bald eagle, swim well - they row with strong wings. Light bones and different feather colors let them live in deserts, forests or cold coasts proving how well they adjust and survive.
