What exactly are eagles?

In simple terms, eagles are large, powerful birds of prey with broad wings, strong talons and sharp eyesight. They belong to a wider group of raptors that also includes hawks, falcons and vultures, but eagles often stand out because of their size and the way they dominate the sky over mountains, forests and coasts.

When people talk about eagles birds of prey, they usually imagine a silhouette gliding high above the ground, scanning the landscape for movement. That image is not just poetic: many eagles really do depend on their ability to see small details from far away, then dive or glide down at the perfect moment to catch prey.

In this guide we will focus on living, breathing eagles first — the animals, not just the national symbols. Along the way we will connect their real behavior to the myths and stories humans built around them.

Main species of eagles around the world

There are dozens of eagle species spread across the planet. Some are famous, others live quietly far from people. A few well-known examples of eagles birds of prey include:

• Bald eagle: Often associated with North America, recognized by its white head and tail on a dark brown body. It lives near coasts, lakes and rivers.
• Golden eagle: A versatile hunter across parts of Europe, Asia and North America, known for its dark brown feathers and golden tint on the back of the head and neck.
• Harpy eagle: One of the largest and most powerful forest eagles, found in parts of Central and South America, with striking crown feathers and massive legs.
• White-tailed eagle: A large sea eagle found around northern Europe and parts of Asia, often seen near coasts and large lakes.

Each of these eagles is shaped by its environment. Sea eagles stay close to water and focus on fish and water birds. Forest eagles navigate dense trees and hunt monkeys or sloths. Mountain eagles use cliffs and strong winds to scan open slopes and valleys.

How eagles fly: wings, eyes and silent control

One of the most impressive things about eagles is how they fly. Their wings are broad and strong, built for soaring rather than fast flapping flight. Instead of beating their wings constantly, many eagles take advantage of rising warm air called thermals to gain height with very little effort.

Their eyesight is another superpower. When people say “eagle-eyed,” they are pointing to a real difference: eagles can see detail and movement from far away that a human simply would not detect. Their eyes are large, face forward enough to give them depth perception, and packed with light-sensing cells.

Below the wings, their skeleton is light but rigid. Their talons are curved and extremely strong, designed to grab and hold onto prey at the moment of impact. Their beaks are hooked, made for tearing flesh rather than chewing.

Hunting and diet: how eagles find and catch their prey

As birds of prey, eagles are carnivores. Many species feed on fish, small mammals, other birds or carrion (already dead animals). The exact mix depends on the species and the place.

A general hunting pattern for many eagles birds of prey looks like this:

• Soar or perch high up while scanning the surroundings.
• Spot a movement that might be food: a fish near the surface, a rabbit in the grass, a bird flying low.
• Adjust wings, then dive or glide down with surprising speed and precision.
• Use talons to grab the prey and either eat it on the spot or carry it away.

Some eagles specialize heavily. Sea eagles may snatch fish from the surface of the water. Forest eagles may attack from a hidden perch, using the trees as cover. Others are more flexible, switching between live hunting and scavenging when opportunities appear.

Nests, mates and family life of eagles

Many eagles birds of prey are famous for building large nests, called eyries, often placed high in trees or on cliffs. Some pairs add new material year after year, turning a nest into a massive structure that can last for a long time.

Eagle pairs may stay together for many seasons, sometimes for life. They return to the same territory to breed, defend it from other eagles and raise their young there. Parents share duties: both help protect the nest, and in many species, both take part in feeding the chicks.

Growing up as an eaglet is demanding. Chicks must learn to balance, stretch their wings, flap, and eventually make their first flights. Parents may continue to feed them even after they leave the nest, until they are skilled enough hunters to survive on their own.

Eagles and humans: symbolism, stories and conservation

Long before we had binoculars or cameras, people were watching eagles cross the sky. It is no surprise that eagles became symbols of strength, freedom, courage and power in many cultures. They appear on flags, coats of arms and coins. They also appear in myths, religions and legends.

But the real relationship between eagles and humans is mixed. On one side, many people admire and protect them. On the other, habitat loss, pollution, illegal shooting and poisoned prey have harmed some eagle populations. In the 20th century, pesticides such as DDT caused eggshells to thin and break in the nests of certain species, leading to dramatic declines.

Conservation efforts, including legal protection, habitat restoration and banning specific chemicals, have helped some eagles recover. Today, eagles are still indicators of how clean and stable a landscape is. When they thrive, it is often a sign that many other species are doing better too.