Eagle
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
| Eagle |
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| Scientific Classification |
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| Genera |
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Subfamily Buteoninae
Subfaily Circaetinae (Snake-eagles) |
Eagles are distinguished from other broad-winged birds of prey usually by their larger size, more powerful build, and heavier head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, including some of the Boosted Eagles, have rather longer and larger broad wings compared to other raptors.
Similar to all birds of prey, eagles have large powerful hooked beak, strong legs, and long powerful talons to tear the flesh of the prey. They are also famous for having eyes that allow them to have keen vision which eventually helps them a lot when hunting. [1]
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Anatomy
Eagles are well known as enormous hunters soaring above wide-open spaces on huge wings. Indeed, eagles like the Harpy Eagle and the Philippine Eagle weigh more than 20 pounds and have wings that can spread eight feet across, but not all eagles fit these patterns. Some eagles including Crested Serpent Eagle and African Vulturine Fish Eagle aren’t that big. Eagles’ situation of having to fly allowed them outstanding vision, but also gave them terrible sense of smell. Eagles’ keen eyes make their vision the sharpest among any animals. Eagles have excellent vision because of their gifted eyes which are densely packed with sensory cells.[2] Since eagles kill their preys with their feet and carry the prey quite a distance, their legs are large and the toes are talon.[3]
Reproduction
When the eagles mate up, they maintain their relationship forever, so the female eagle carefully chooses the male eagle. When a male eagle shows interest, the female gives him many tests. First test is the visual test. They fly up, down, slow, and fast checking the male’s strength and dexterity. If any problems are found, she will abandon him and find a new mate. She also tests strength of the male by dropping sticks high in the sky. She will continue to do this, each time dropping a larger stick. If the male fails to catch the stick, the female will abandon him and find a new suitor.
The reason why these tests are so important is because when the baby eagles fail to fly, the male has to catch them and bring back to the nest. When she finally admits that the male is strong enough to protect the babies, she mates with the male.[4]
Ecology
Eagles can be roughly divided into four groups based on their physical characteristics and behavior.
- Sea or Fish Eagles
Eagles in this group mostly live on the forested shores of lakes, rivers, and oceans. They favor fish. Nonetheless, the Vulturine Fish Eagle is almost a vegetarian, living mostly on the fruit of the oil palm. Some of the sea and fish eagles live in threatened habitats.
- Snake or Serpent Eagles
Eagles in this group are smaller than other eagles. Savannas and forests of tropical Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa are where they usually hunt. The Madagascar Serpent Eagle, which is in this group, is one of the most endangered raptors in the world. Many snake and serpent eagles, especially those of the genus Spilornis, live in a very restricted range. Any destruction of their habitat can affect them critically.
- Booted or True Eagles
The Booted Eagles got their name due to their feathers that covered right down to their ankles. This group contains most species. Martial Eagle, Eedge-tailed Eagle, and Verreaux's Eagle are the largest eagles in the world, while some other eagles including Wahlberg's Eagle and Ayres's Hawk-eagle are the smallest eagles in the world.
- Harpy or Buteonine Eagles
Although other eagles are powerful birds of prey, the Harpy Eagles of South America are the world’s most powerful eagle. A female harpy eagle can weigh nearly 20 pounds and have big legs with 1.5 inch-long talons which can span 9 inches. Using these powerful bodies, they hunt sloth and howler monkeys. [5]
What the eagle means to America
The eagle has been used by many nations as a national representing power, beauty, and independence. America is one of the nations that uses eagle as the symbol. Bald Eagle, American icon, can be seen anywhere in America. It is stamped on quarters, half-dollars, dollar bills, and postage stamps. The bald eagle can also be found on top of the homes, storm doors, mailboxes, mud flaps, faux license plates, police badges, and public buildings. The Bald Eagle goes with Americans from cradle when they get the Social Security Card to grave when the IRS income tax returns. [6]
Gallery
 Bald Eagle (H. leucocephalus) Genus: Haliaeetus |
 Solitary Eagle (H. solitarius) Genus: Harpyhaliaetus |
 Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) Genus: Harpia |
 Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) Genus: Terathopius |
 Flying Bald eagle (H. leucocephalus) Genus: Haliaeetus |
 Eye of the Bald eagle (H. leucocephalus) Genus: Haliaeetus |
Related References
- Eagle by multiple authors. Wikipedia.
- Welcome To Avian Anatomy and Morphology Earthlife.
- MASTERS OF THE SKY PBS.
- Eagles of the Worldby Rebecca L. Grambo. American Bald Eagle Information.
- Our National Symbolby The Trustees of Indiana University. Eagles to the Nest.
- The Eagle Selects her Mate by Storie-Jean Agapith.
See Also
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