Eagles are large birds of prey which are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species (the Bald and Golden Eagles) can be found in the USA and Canada, nine more in Central and South America, and three in Australia.

Description

Eagles are differentiated from other birds of prey mainly by their larger size, more powerful build, and heavier head and bill. Even the smallest eagles, like the Booted Eagle (which is comparable in size to a Common Buzzard or Red-tailed Hawk), have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from the vultures. The species called eagle can range in size from the Spilornis serpent-eagles, which typically weigh about 500 grams (1.1 pounds) and measure 45 cm (18 in), to the 6.5-kg, 1-meter Harpy Eagle, though the Philippine Eagle and the Steller's Sea-Eagle are of similar size.

Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong muscular legs, and powerful talons claws. They also have extremely keen eyesight which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance. This keen eyesight is primarily contributed by their extremely large pupils which cause minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light.

Eagles build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched.

Species

• Bonelli's Eagle, the Booted Eagle and the Little Eagle have been moved from Hieraaetus to Aquila.
• Either the Greater Spotted Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle should move from Aquila to join the Long-crested Eagle in Lophaetus, or, perhaps better, all three of these species should move to Ictinaetus with the Black Eagle.
• The Steppe Eagle and Tawny Eagle, once thought to be conspecific, are not even each other's nearest relatives.

FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE

• Subfamily Buteoninae - hawks (buzzards), true eagles and sea-eagles
• Genus Geranoaetus
• Black-chested Buzzard-eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus
• Genus Harpyhaliaetus
• Crowned Solitary Eagle, Harpyhaliaetus coronatus
• Solitary Eagle, H. solitarius
• Genus Morphnus
• Crested Eagle, Morphnus guianensis