EAGLES Eagles are big and powerful birds of prey These raptors or meat eaters are fierce hunters and fiendish scavengers They track and catch their meals using their amazing eyesight or they steal from other predators Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus XTREME FACT The bald eagle was chosen as a symbol for the United States in 1782 The eagle was picked because of its proud look great strength and long life 4
An eagle’s sharp eyes powerful talons and large hooked beak make it a predator to be respected Armies as far back as the Roman Empire have used this fierce raptor as a symbol of strength and power Sports teams cars ships military vehicles and even a spacecraft have been named for the mighty eagle 5
SPECIES There are 68 eagle species in the world The greatest varieties are found in Africa Europe and Asia Only golden eagles and bald eagles make their homes in North America Alaska has the largest eagle population on the continent SEA EAGLE BOOTED EAGLE Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos XTREME FACT A bald eagle’s Latin name Haliaeetus leucocephalus means white-headed sea eagle In times past the word bald once meant white or white-faced 6 6
Eagle species are divided into four general groups sea eagles booted eagles snake eagles and harpy eagles Sea eagles eat mainly fish Booted eagles have feathers down to their ankles Snake eagles feed on reptiles Harpy eagles live in tropical forests and are some of the largest eagles on Earth SNAKE EAGLE HARPY EAGLE Black-Chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja 7 7
