Eagles are birds of prey, symbolizing power and strength across many cultures and found across nearly every continent except Antarctica. These large, heavy-beaked raptors belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes hawks and vultures. With over 60 species worldwide, eagles are characterized by their formidable size, powerful talons, and ability to hunt large vertebrate prey. Their diverse adaptations allow them to occupy a vast array of habitats, ranging from tropical rainforests and deserts to high mountain ranges and coastal regions.
The Booted Eagles (True Eagles)
The largest and most diverse group of eagles are the Booted Eagles, named for their feathered tarsi—legs covered in feathers down to the feet. This group includes the “true eagles” of the genus Aquila and others like Hieraaetus and Spizaetus. Booted Eagles are generalist hunters, taking a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are found in open habitats, such as mountains and grasslands, where their broad wings allow for high-altitude soaring and hunting. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the Wedge-tailed Eagle of Australia exemplify this group, hunting terrestrial prey like hares, marmots, wallabies, or goats.
Sea and Fish Eagles
Sea and Fish Eagles, primarily belonging to the genus Haliaeetus, are adapted to an aquatic lifestyle near large bodies of water. Unlike Booted Eagles, these raptors possess unfeathered tarsi, meaning their lower legs are bare and scaled. This feature, along with specialized feet, suits them for catching and holding slippery prey. Their talons are highly curved and their foot pads are roughened with spicules, which provide an improved grip on fish. The iconic Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the Steller’s Sea Eagle exemplify this group, snatching fish directly from the water surface and often scavenging carrion along shorelines.
Specialized Forest and Snake Eagles
Other eagles have developed highly specialized traits tied to unique habitats and diets.
Forest Eagles
The Forest Eagles, such as the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), are giants of the tropical canopy. They are built for agility within dense woods, featuring relatively shorter wings and long tails that function like rudders for navigating trees. These powerful raptors hunt arboreal mammals, such as sloths and monkeys, using immense strength; the Harpy Eagle’s rear talons can be the size of a grizzly bear’s claws.
Snake Eagles
The Snake Eagles, primarily from the genus Circaetus, demonstrate a specialization in diet, with reptiles making up the vast majority of their food. Species like the Short-toed Snake Eagle hunt by hovering in the air before dropping down to capture snakes. They are often protected from venomous bites by thick, specialized scales on their legs.