Eagles are quite large birds of prey that belong to the hawk family. They live in Africa, as well as in Eurasia and North America. These animals have a rather large wingspan - can reach 2.5 meters. Very beautiful and amazing creatures.
Most often, eagles prefer to hunt small vertebrates. First they look out for them still floating in the sky. It is worth noting that some species may well feed on simple carrion.
Currently, the number of these birds is declining. This is due to the fact that people destroy our nature, while developing agricultural activities. Everything has a big effect on reducing feed for eagles.
In this article, we will look at what the largest eagles in the world are.
10. Eagle dwarf
Eagle dwarf - One of the small representatives of this amazing family. Many say that he is very attractive, as his physique is similar to a buzzard.
Unlike the falcon, the dwarf eagle prefers to hunt not only in the sky, but also on the earth. This species was first studied in 1788. This name justifies the size of this bird. Currently, only 2 of its subspecies are known. Some have dark plumage, while others have light plumage.
It is worth noting that it was to this species that the Indo-Europeans attached rather great importance. In fact, the name "dwarf" does not at all correspond to the appearance of a harsh and rather dangerous bird. Its small size is compensated by powerful paws and tenacious claws.
The dwarf eagle can easily live in Europe, as well as in South Africa and Central Asia. She prefers to eat hares and rabbits, rats, as well as starlings, magpies, forest larks, partridges and many others.
9. Hawk Eagle
Hawk eagle - This is a fairly large bird, which belongs to the hawk family. The length of one of its wings is almost 55 cm. The color can be completely different - mostly blackish-brown.
This species of eagles lives in the tropical and subtropical zone. He feeds on small mammals, rabbits, hares, partridge pigeons. It can catch prey on the ground and in the air.
Currently referred to as endangered. The reason for the extermination is people. It is worth noting that very often these birds die on the wires of power lines.
8. Stone eagle
Current strength stone eagles estimates from a hundred to a thousand individuals. This species was first discovered in 1822. It lives in Africa, Central and South Asia. For example, in India, a stone eagle prefers to live near small towns. Many residents say that it can be seen at an altitude of up to three thousand meters.
These animals are very well attached to their habitats, and therefore rarely leave them. Mostly have a daytime lifestyle, and they fly out to hunt quite early in the morning. In the evening, go to sleep.
The diet includes medium and large insects. The life span of such a bird is not more than 30 years.
7. Great spotted eagle
Great spotted eagle has a body length of about 65-75 centimeters. Females are much larger than males. The plumage is mostly plain, dark brown, but the back of the head can be colored a little lighter.
They prefer to live in Eurasia, Poland, Hungary and even China. Winter is met in India or Iran. You can also see in Russia.
This species of eagles prefers to live more in mixed forests, as well as near meadows and swamps. Podorlik is trying to catch his victim from a great height. Rodents serve him as food, as well as small reptiles and amphibians.
Currently, these animals are bred in captivity. They are listed in the Red Book of Russia, as their population is significantly reduced.
6. Spanish burial ground
Spanish burial ground got its name from Prince Adalbert of Bavaria. Until recently, this species was considered as a subspecies of the burial ground, but at present it is considered a separate species. The body length is only 80 cm, the wingspan is up to 2.2 meters.
The plumage is dark brown. Can be found in Spain, as well as Portugal. Basically, the Spanish burial ground prefers to eat rabbits, as well as rodents, hares, pigeons, ducks and sometimes even foxes.
Feels calm in open landscapes. It is worth noting that this species of eagles prefers to lead a monogamous lifestyle. A decrease in the bird population is currently known. They die mainly due to illegal poisonous baits that people lay out.
5. Burial ground
Burial ground - This is a fairly large bird, which belongs to the hawk family. He prefers to live in the forest-steppe zone of Eurasia, as well as in the central regions of China.
Hunts for gophers, marmots, small hares and birds. It is considered a separate independent species. From a golden eagle, for example, differs in smaller sizes.
Ornithologists believe that this species was named so because they bury their dead relatives. Currently listed in the Red Book of Russia, as their populations are declining.
4. Steppe eagle
Currently steppe eagle considered a fairly rare endangered species. But just literally three decades ago, they were numerous and widespread.
When the eagle reaches the age of four years, it changes its color to dark brown. It occurs in Russia, in the Astrakhan and Rostov regions.
In order for him to exist normally, open spaces that are untouched by people are necessary. In most cases, it leads a daytime lifestyle. It can feed on small and medium sized rodents and gophers.
3. Kaffir eagle
Kaffir eagle considered a fairly large bird. It differs from others in that it has 2 white stripes in the form of the Latin letter V. It was first studied by the French naturalist René in 1831.
Most live in southern Sahara. Settle in drier mountainous areas. They lead a very simple lifestyle. Eagles are strongly attached to their home site, and they try not to leave it.
It is worth noting that the Kaffir eagle makes amazing sounds that look like the voices of young turkeys. It feeds on small antelopes, monkeys, hares, as well as rabbits. In rare cases, it can also use carrion. Before attacking their victim, they sink low to the ground.
2. Wedge-tailed eagle
Wedge Tailed Eagle - This is an exclusively daytime bird of prey, found mainly in Australia, as well as in Tasmania. He prefers to build his nest on higher trees, from where you can see all the surroundings. Favorable conditions where there is enough food for them.
They can eat carrion very well, but their main prey is rabbits, lizards and small birds. Cases of attack on little lambs were known.
1. Golden eagle
Golden eagle considered one of the largest birds that belong to the hawk family. It has not only impressive dimensions, but also a specific taste.
It can adapt to completely different conditions. It is almost impossible to see him, since he has great intelligence and cunning and almost always avoids meeting a person.
Currently, their number is significantly reduced. It lives in Alaska, in Russia, in Belarus, Spain. It feeds on hares, foxes, woodchucks, turtles, squirrels and much more.