Difference between revisions of "Eagle" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Images OK}}{{Approved}}{{copyedited}}
 
{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
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| color = pink
 
 
| name = Eagle
 
| name = Eagle
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| image = Eagle In Flight 2004-09-01.jpeg
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| image = Haliaeetus_leucocephalus-tree-USFWS.jpg
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| image_width = 250px
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| image_caption = [[White-tailed Eagle]] in flight
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| image_caption = [[Bald Eagle]]  
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
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| familia = [[Accipitridae]]
 
| familia = [[Accipitridae]]
 
| subdivision_ranks = Genera
 
| subdivision_ranks = Genera
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| subdivision = Several, see below.
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| subdivision = Several, [[Eagle#Taxonomy|see text]].
 
}}
 
}}
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{{about | the bird}}
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'''Eagle''' is the common name for various diurnal [[birds of prey]] in the family [[Accipitridae]] of the [[bird]] order [[Falconiformes]], characterized by large size, powerful hooked beaks, strong legs and feet with great curved, sharp talons, keen vision, long broad [[wing]]s and strong soaring flight, and fully [[feather]]ed, often crested heads.  
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'''Eagles''' are large [[bird of prey|birds of prey]] which inhabit mainly the [[Old World]], with only two species (the [[Bald Eagle]] and [[Golden Eagle]]) found in [[North America]] north of [[Mexico]], a few in Middle and [[South America]], two (the [[White-bellied Sea Eagle]] and [[Wedge-tailed Eagle]]) in [[Australia]], and the [[Philippine Eagle]] in the [[Philippines]]. They are members of the [[bird]] order [[Falconiformes]] (or [[Accipitriformes]], according to alternative classification schemes), family [[Accipitridae]], and belong to several [[Genus|genera]] which are not necessarily closely related to each other in any sort of way.
 
  
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Eagles are differentiated from other broad-winged 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 [[vulture]]s.
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In particular, members of the [[genus]] ''Aquila'' are known as "true eagles," but many other birds in other genera also are known as eagles. Eagles are not a natural group but denote essentially any bird of prey large enough to hunt sizable (about 50 centimeters long or more overall) [[vertebrate]] prey. Birds with the common name of [[hawk]]s and [[kite]]s are also members of the Accipitridae family.
  
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Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked [[beak]]s for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, and powerful [[talon]]s. They also have extremely keen eyesight to enable 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.  
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Eagles are important in [[food chain]]s as top predators, with larger species, such as the harpy eagle ''(Harpia haryja)'' and crowned eagle ''(Stephanoaetus coronatus)'', even preying on adult [[monkey]]s, [[sloth]]s, [[porcupine]]s, small [[antelope]], and large [[parrot]]s (Olsen 2004). The Australian wedge-tailed eagle ''(Aquila audax)'' has been known to hunt cooperatively and kill adult [[kangaroo]]s and [[dingo]]es (Olsen 2004). For humans, they have an integral role in culture as national and organization symbols, and the eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures, with the feathers central to many religious and spiritual customs. They appear prominently in myth and literature. On a practical level, eagles sometimes are used in [[falconry]].  
  
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In [[Great Britain|Britain]] before 1678, ''Eagle'' referred specifically to the [[Golden Eagle]], the other native species, the [[White-tailed Eagle]], being known as the Erne. The modern name "Golden Eagle" for ''Aquila chrysaetos'' was introduced by the naturalist [[John Ray]].
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==Overview and description==
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===Accipitridae family===
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The Accipitridae family, to which eagles belong, is one of the two major [[family (biology)|families]] within the [[order (biology)|order]] [[Falconiformes]] (the diurnal [[bird of prey|birds of prey]]). In addition to eagles, many well-known birds, such as [[hawk]]s, [[kite (bird)|kites]], [[harrier (bird)|harriers]], and [[Old World vulture]]s are included in this group. Most other raptors, but not all, belong to the [[Falconidae]], or falcon family. Accripitrids differ from members of the other raptorial family in several skeletal features, as well as having well-developed nest-building behavior (versus poor or absent), forceful squirting of excreta (versus dropping of excreta), and yellow, red, or hazel eyes (versus brown) (Olsen 2004).
  
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Eagles build their nests, which are sometimes called ''eyries'' (mostly in Australia) 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.  
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The accipitrids have been variously divided into some 2 to 10 [[subfamily|subfamilies]]. Most of them share a very similar [[Morphology (biology)|morphology]], but many of these groups contain [[taxa]] that are more aberrant. These are placed in their respective position more for lack of better evidence than anything else. It is, thus, not very surprising that the [[phylogenetic]] layout of the accipitrids has always been a matter of dispute.  
  
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Eagles are sometimes used in [[falconry]]. They appear prominently in myth and literature. In the Old World, such references are commonly to the Golden Eagle (or possibly closely related species found in warm climates).
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The Accipitridae are a diverse family with a great deal of variation in size and shape. They range in size from the tiny [[pearl kite]], which is 25 centimeters in length and weighs no more than 100 grams, to the Philippine eagle, which is 1 meter in length and which may weight up to 7 kilograms (Thiollay 1994).  
  
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[[Image:wiki_eagle.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Thermographic image of an eagle, thermoregulating using its wings]]''''''
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The [[beak]]s of accipitrids are strong and hooked (sometimes very hooked, as in the [[hook-billed kite]] or [[snail kite]]). In all accipitrids, the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere, which is usually yellow in color. The [[Tarsus (skeleton)|tarsi]] of different species vary by diet, those of bird hunting species like sparrowhawks are long and thin, while species that hunt large mammals have much thicker, stronger ones, and [[snake-eagle]] have thick scales to protect from bites.
  
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==Taxonomy==
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===Eagles===
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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 [[vulture]]s. Eagles (and hawks) also have the bony eye shield ("brow") that is lacking in the kites of the same family (Olsen 2004).
  
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Major new research into eagle [[taxonomy]] suggests that the important genera ''Aquila'' and ''Hieraaetus'' are not composed of nearest relatives, and it is likely that a reclassification of these genera will soon take place, with some species being moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lerner |first=H. R. L. |coauthors=D. P. Mindell |year=2005 |title=Phylogeny of eagles, Old World vultures, and other Accipitridae based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |issue=37 |pages=327-346 }}</ref>
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[[Image:wiki eagle.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Thermographic image of an eagle, thermoregulating using its wings]]
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Eagles belong to several [[Genus|genera]] that are not necessarily closely related to each other genetically. In recent years, new research into eagle [[taxonomy]] suggests that the important genera ''Aquila'' and ''Hieraaetus'' are not composed of nearest relatives, and it is likely that a reclassification of these genera will soon take place, with some species being moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus'' (Lerner and Mindell 2005).
  
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*[[Bonelli's Eagle]], the [[Booted Eagle]] and the [[Little Eagle]] have been moved from ''Hieraaetus'' to ''Aquila''.  
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Most of the more than 60 species of eagles occur in [[Eurasia]] and [[Africa]] (del Hoyo et al. 1994). Outside this area, just two species (the [[Bald Eagle|bald]] and [[golden eagle]]s) can be found in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]], a few more in [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], and three in [[Australia]].
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*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]].
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*The [[Steppe Eagle]] and [[Tawny Eagle]], once thought to be conspecific, are not even each other's nearest relatives.
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Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked [[beak]]s for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, and powerful [[talon]]s. They also have extremely keen eyesight to enable them to spot potential [[prey]] from a very long distance (Shlaer 1972). This keen eyesight is primarily contributed by their extremely large pupils, which cause minimal [[diffraction]] (scattering) of the incoming light.
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Eagles build their nests, called ''eyries,'' in tall trees or on high [[cliff]]s. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched.  
 +
 
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In [[Great Britain|Britain]] before 1678, the term eagle referred specifically to the [[golden eagle]], with the other native species, the [[white-tailed eagle]], being known as the Erne. The modern name "golden eagle" for ''Aquila chrysaetos'' was introduced by the naturalist [[John Ray]].
  
 
===Species===
 
===Species===
 
'''FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE'''
 
'''FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE'''
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* '''Subfamily [[Buteoninae]]''' - hawks (buzzards), true eagles and sea-eagles
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* '''Subfamily [[Buteoninae]]'''--hawks (buzzards), true eagles, and sea-eagles
 
**Genus ''Geranoaetus''
 
**Genus ''Geranoaetus''
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*** [[Black-chested Buzzard-eagle]], ''Geranoaetus melanoleucus''
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*** [[Black-chested buzzard-eagle]], ''Geranoaetus melanoleucus''
 
**Genus ''[[Harpyhaliaetus]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Harpyhaliaetus]]''
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*** [[Crowned Solitary Eagle]], ''Harpyhaliaetus coronatus''
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*** [[Crowned solitary eagle]], ''Harpyhaliaetus coronatus''
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*** [[Solitary Eagle]], ''H. solitarius''
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*** [[Solitary eagle]], ''H. solitarius''
 
**Genus ''Morphnus''
 
**Genus ''Morphnus''
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*** [[Crested Eagle]], ''Morphnus guianensis''
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*** [[Crested eagle]], ''Morphnus guianensis''
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[[Image:Harpy Eagle2.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The powerful [[Harpy Eagle]] can easily grab a monkey weighing 5 kg and fly away with it.]]
 
 
**Genus ''Harpia''
 
**Genus ''Harpia''
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*** [[Harpy Eagle]], ''Harpia harpyja''
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*** [[Harpy eagle]], ''Harpia harpyja''
 
**Genus ''Pithecophaga''
 
**Genus ''Pithecophaga''
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*** [[Philippine Eagle]], ''Pithecophaga jefferyi''
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*** [[Philippine eagle]], ''Pithecophaga jefferyi''
 
**Genus ''Harpyopsis''
 
**Genus ''Harpyopsis''
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*** [[New Guinea Eagle]], ''Harpyopsis novaeguineae''
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*** [[New Guinea eagle]], ''Harpyopsis novaeguineae''
 
**Genus ''Oroaetus''
 
**Genus ''Oroaetus''
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*** [[Black-and-chestnut Eagle]], ''Oroaetus isidori''
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*** [[Black-and-chestnut eagle]], ''Oroaetus isidori''
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**Genus ''Spizastur''
 
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*** [[Black-and-white Hawk-eagle]], ''Spizastur melanoleucus''
 
 
**Genus ''[[Spizaetus]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Spizaetus]]''
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*** [[Cassin's Hawk-eagle]], ''Spizaetus africanus''
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*** [[Cassin's hawk-eagle]], ''Spizaetus africanus''
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*** [[Changeable Hawk-eagle]], ''S. cirrhatus''
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*** [[Changeable hawk-eagle]], ''S. cirrhatus''
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*** [[Mountain Hawk-eagle]], ''S. nipalensis''
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*** [[Mountain hawk-eagle]], ''S. nipalensis''
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*** [[Blyth's Hawk-eagle]], ''S. alboniger''
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*** [[Blyth's hawk-eagle]], ''S. alboniger''
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*** [[Javan Hawk-eagle]], ''S. bartelsi''
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*** [[Javan hawk-eagle]], ''S. bartelsi''
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*** [[Sulawesi Hawk-eagle]], ''S. lanceolatus''
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*** [[Sulawesi hawk-eagle]], ''S. lanceolatus''
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*** [[Philippine Hawk-eagle]], ''S. philippensis''
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*** [[Philippine hawk-eagle]], ''S. philippensis''
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*** [[Wallace's Hawk-eagle]], ''S. nanus''
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*** [[Wallace's hawk-eagle]], ''S. nanus''
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*** [[Black Hawk-eagle]], ''S. tyrannus''
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*** [[Black hawk-eagle]], ''S. tyrannus''
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*** [[Ornate Hawk-eagle]], ''S. ornatus''
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*** [[Ornate hawk-eagle]], ''S. ornatus''
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*** [[Black-and-white hawk-eagle]], ''S. melanoleucus''
 
**Genus ''Lophaetus''
 
**Genus ''Lophaetus''
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*** [[Long-crested Eagle]], ''Lophaetus occipitalis'' - possibly belongs in ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Long-crested eagle]], ''Lophaetus occipitalis''--possibly belongs in ''Ictinaetus''
 
**Genus ''Stephanoaetus''
 
**Genus ''Stephanoaetus''
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*** [[Crowned Hawk-eagle]], ''Stephanoaetus coronatus''
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*** [[Crowned hawk-eagle]], ''Stephanoaetus coronatus''
 
**Genus ''Polemaetus''
 
**Genus ''Polemaetus''
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*** [[Martial Eagle]], ''Polemaetus bellicosus''
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*** [[Martial eagle]], ''Polemaetus bellicosus''
 
**Genus ''[[Hieraaetus]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Hieraaetus]]''
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*** [[Ayres' Hawk-eagle]], ''Hieraaetus ayresii''
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*** [[Ayres' hawk-eagle]], ''Hieraaetus ayresii''
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*** [[Rufous-bellied Eagle]], ''H. kienerii''
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*** [[African hawk eagle]], ''H. spilogaster''
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*** [[African Hawk Eagle]], ''H. spilogaster''
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*** [[New Guinea hawk-eagle]], ''H. weiskei''
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[[Image:Eagle_Lahore_Zoo_June302005.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Steppe Eagle]] in [[Lahore Zoo]].]]
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[[Image:Eagle Lahore Zoo June302005.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Steppe Eagle]] in [[Lahore Zoo]] Pakistan.]]
 
**Genus ''Harpagornis'' ([[Extinction|extinct]])
 
**Genus ''Harpagornis'' ([[Extinction|extinct]])
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*** [[Haast's Eagle]], ''Harpagornis moorei'' - possibly belongs in either ''Hieraaetus'' or ''Aquila''<ref>{{cite journal |last=Bunce |first=M. |coauthors=et al |year=2005 |title=Ancient DNA Provides New Insights into the Evolutionary History of New Zealand's Extinct Giant Eagle |journal=PLoS Biol |volume=3 |issue=1 |doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0030009 |url=http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.0030009 |accessdate=2006-12-27}}</ref>
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*** [[Haast's eagle]], ''Harpagornis moorei''--possibly belongs in either ''Hieraaetus'' or ''Aquila'' (Bunce et al. 2005)
 
**Genus ''[[Aquila (genus)|Aquila]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Aquila (genus)|Aquila]]''
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*** [[Bonelli's Eagle]], ''Aquila fasciata'' - formerly ''Hieraaetus fasciatus''
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*** [[Bonelli's eagle]], ''Aquila fasciata''--formerly ''Hieraaetus fasciatus''
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*** [[Booted Eagle]], ''A. pennata'' - formerly ''Hieraaetus pennatus''
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*** [[Booted eagle]], ''A. pennata''--formerly ''Hieraaetus pennatus''
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*** [[Little Eagle]], ''A. morphnoides''
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*** [[Little eagle]], ''A. morphnoides''
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*** [[Golden Eagle]], ''A. chrysaetos''  
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*** [[Golden eagle]], ''A. chrysaetos''  
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*** [[Eastern Imperial Eagle]], ''A. heliaca''
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*** [[Eastern imperial eagle]], ''A. heliaca''
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*** [[Spanish Imperial Eagle]] ''A. adalberti''  
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*** [[Rufous-bellied eagle]], ''A. kienerii''
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*** [[Steppe Eagle]], ''A. nipalensis''
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*** [[Spanish imperial eagle]] ''A. adalberti''  
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*** [[Tawny Eagle]], ''A. rapax''
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*** [[Steppe eagle]], ''A. nipalensis''
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*** [[Greater Spotted Eagle]], ''A. clanga'' - to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Tawny eagle]], ''A. rapax''
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*** [[Lesser Spotted Eagle]], ''A. pomarina'' - to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Greater spotted eagle]], ''A. clanga''--to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Indian Spotted Eagle]], ''A. hastata'' - to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Lesser spotted eagle]], ''A. pomarina''--to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Verreaux's Eagle]], ''A. verreauxii''
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*** [[Indian spotted eagle]], ''A. hastata''--to be moved to ''Lophaetus'' or ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Gurney's Eagle]], ''A. gurneyi''
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*** [[Verreaux's eagle]], ''A. verreauxii''
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*** [[Wahlberg's Eagle]], ''A. wahlbergi''
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*** [[Gurney's eagle]], ''A. gurneyi''
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*** [[Wedge-tailed Eagle]], ''A. audax''
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*** [[Wahlberg's eagle]], ''A. wahlbergi''
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*** [[Wedge-tailed eagle]], ''A. audax''
 
**Genus ''Ictinaetus''
 
**Genus ''Ictinaetus''
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*** [[Black Eagle]], ''Ictinaetus malayensis''
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*** [[Black eagle]], ''Ictinaetus malayensis''
 
**Genus ''[[Haliaeetus]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Haliaeetus]]''
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*** [[White-tailed Eagle]], ''Haliaeetus albicilla''
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*** [[White-tailed eagle]], ''Haliaeetus albicilla''
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*** [[Bald Eagle]], ''H. leucocephalus''
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*** [[Bald eagle]], ''H. leucocephalus''
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*** [[Steller's Sea-eagle]], ''H. pelagicus''
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*** [[Steller's sea-eagle]], ''H. pelagicus''
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*** [[African Fish-eagle]], ''H. vocifer''
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*** [[African fish-eagle]], ''H. vocifer''
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*** [[White-bellied Sea-eagle]], ''H. leucogaster''
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*** [[White-bellied sea-eagle]], ''H. leucogaster''
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*** [[Sanford's Fish-eagle]], ''H. sanfordi''
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*** [[Sanford's fish-eagle]], ''H. sanfordi''
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*** [[Madagascar Fish-eagle]], ''H. vociferoides''
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*** [[Madagascar fish-eagle]], ''H. vociferoides''
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*** [[Pallas' Sea-eagle]], ''H. leucoryphus''
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*** [[Pallas' sea-eagle]], ''H. leucoryphus''
 
**Genus ''[[Ichthyophaga]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Ichthyophaga]]''
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*** [[Lesser Fish-eagle]], ''Ichthyophaga humilis''
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*** [[Lesser fish-eagle]], ''Ichthyophaga humilis''
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*** [[Grey-headed Fish-eagle]], ''I. ichthyaetus''
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*** [[Grey-headed fish-eagle]], ''I. ichthyaetus''
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[[Image:Circaetus gallicus 01.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A dark individual of the [[Short-toed Eagle]].]]
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[[Image:Circaetus gallicus 01.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A dark individual of the [[short-toed eagle]].]]
 
* '''Subfamily [[Circaetinae]]: snake-eagles'''
 
* '''Subfamily [[Circaetinae]]: snake-eagles'''
 
**Genus ''Terathopius''
 
**Genus ''Terathopius''
 
*** [[Bateleur]], ''Terathopius ecaudatus''
 
*** [[Bateleur]], ''Terathopius ecaudatus''
 
**Genus ''[[Circaetus]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Circaetus]]''
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*** [[Short-toed Eagle]], ''Circaetus gallicus''
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*** [[Short-toed eagle]], ''Circaetus gallicus''
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*** [[Black-chested Snake-eagle]], ''C. pectoralis''
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*** [[Black-chested snake-eagle]], ''C. pectoralis''
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*** [[Brown Snake-eagle]], ''C. cinereus''
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*** [[Brown snake-eagle]], ''C. cinereus''
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*** [[Fasciated Snake-eagle]], ''C. fasciolatus''
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*** [[Fasciated snake-eagle]], ''C. fasciolatus''
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*** [[Banded Snake-eagle]], ''C. cinerascens''
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*** [[Banded snake-eagle]], ''C. cinerascens''
 
**Genus ''[[Spilornis]]''
 
**Genus ''[[Spilornis]]''
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*** [[Crested Serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis cheela''
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*** [[Crested serpent-eagle]], ''Spilornis cheela''
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*** [[Nicobar Serpent-eagle]], ''S. minimus''
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*** [[Nicobar serpent-eagle]], ''S. minimus''
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*** [[Mountain Serpent-eagle]],''S. kinabaluensis''
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*** [[Mountain serpent-eagle]],''S. kinabaluensis''
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*** [[Sulawesi Serpent-eagle]], ''S. rufipectus''
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*** [[Sulawesi serpent-eagle]], ''S. rufipectus''
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*** [[Spilornis holospilus|Philippine Serpent-eagle]], ''S. holospilus''
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*** [[Spilornis holospilus|Philippine serpent-eagle]], ''S. holospilus''
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*** [[Andaman Serpent-eagle]], ''S. elgini''
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*** [[Andaman serpent-eagle]], ''S. elgini''
 
**Genus ''Eutriorchis''
 
**Genus ''Eutriorchis''
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*** [[Madagascar Serpent-eagle]], ''Eutriorchis astur''
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*** [[Madagascar serpent-eagle]], ''Eutriorchis astur''
−
 
 
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==Eagles in culture==
 
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===The word===
 
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The modern [[English language|English]] name of the bird is derived from the [[Latin]] term ''aquila'' by way of the [[French language|French]] ''Aigle''. The Latin ''aquila'' may derive from the word ''aquilus'', meaning dark-colored, swarthy, or blackish, as a description of the eagle's plumage; or from ''Aquilo'', the Latin version of Greek ''Boreas'', or north wind.
 
  
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[[Old English]] used the term ''Earn'', related to [[Scandinavia]]'s ''Ørn''. The [[etymology]] of this word is related to [[Modern Greek|Greek]] ''ornos'', literally meaning "bird". In this sense, the Eagle is ''the Bird'' with a capital B.
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==Eagles and culture==
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The eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and the [[feather]]s of the eagle are central to many [[religious]] and [[Spirituality|spiritual]] customs, especially among [[Native Americans in the United States]] and [[First Nations|First Nations in Canada]], as well as among many of the peoples of [[Meso-America]]. Some Native American peoples revere eagles as sacred religious objects and the feathers and parts of [[Bald Eagle|bald]] and [[golden eagles]] are often compared to the [[Bible]] and [[crucifix]]. Eagle feathers are often used in various ceremonies and are used to honor noteworthy achievements and qualities such as exceptional leadership and bravery. In the cultures of the [[British Columbia Coast|Northwest Coast]], Eagle is also a supernatural being and also the ancestor and features in the heraldic crests of important clans known as [[totem poles]].
  
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===Eagles as national symbols===
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The [[Moche]] people of ancient [[Peru]] worshiped the animal and often depicted eagles in their art (Berrin and Larco 1997).
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[[Image:Berg en Terblijt (Weapon).png|thumb|right|250px|Coat of arms of the town of [[Berg en Terblijt]] in the Netherlands, an example of the prolific use of the eagle in European [[heraldry]].]]
 
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[[Image:Aigle-napoleonienne-p1030180.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Napoleonic eagle]]
 
  
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The eagle has been used by many nations as a national symbol, depicting power, beauty and independence.
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Despite modern and historic Native American practices of giving eagle feathers to non-indigenous people and also members of other tribes who have been deemed worthy, current United States [[eagle feather law]] stipulates that only individuals of certifiable [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers for [[religious]] or [[Spirituality|spiritual]] purposes (USFWS). In Canada, poaching of eagle feathers for the booming U.S. market has sometimes resulted in the arrests of First Nations person for the crime (Sin 2006).
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* '''Arabic world'''. Many [[Arab]]ic states and organisations use eagles as symbols, e.g. the [[PLO]].
 
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* '''Czech Republic'''. [[The Czech Republic]] integrates three historical parts: [[Bohemia]] (with a double-tailed lion in the emblem), [[Moravia]] and [[Silesia]] (both with female eagles in their emblems - red-and-white [[chequered]] and black).
 
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* '''Hellenistic Egypt'''. The [[Ptolemaic dynasty|Ptolemaic]] rulers of [[Egypt]] used it as their seal.
 
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* '''First French Empire'''. [[Napoleon Bonaparte]] used the Roman Golden Eagle as the symbol of his new French empire.
 
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* '''Ghana'''. Two eagles are part of the coat of arms of [[Ghana]].
 
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* '''Mexico'''. The bird on the [[Mexican coat of arms]] and flag is a Golden Eagle.
 
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* '''Moldova'''. An eagle is part of the coat of arms and [[flag of Moldova]].
 
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*'''[[Nigeria]]''', The eagle is part of the [[Coat of Arms of Nigeria]] and the [[Seal of the President of Nigeria]].
 
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* '''The Philippines'''. The endangered [[Philippine Eagle]] is the national bird of the [[Philippines]].
 
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* '''Poland'''. A white eagle on a red field is the [[coat of arms of Poland]].
 
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* '''Romania'''. The eagle is also part of the [[Coat of Arms of Romania|coat of arms of Romania]]
 
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* '''Rome'''. The [[ancient Rome|Romans]] used it on the [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of their armies]]. From this derives:
 
−
** '''The late [[Byzantine Empire]])''' chose a two-headed golden eagle as its symbol. It is popularly that one head symbolised ancient Rome, and the other head symbolised "new Rome" at Constantinople. From this derives:
 
−
*** '''Albania'''. The two-headed eagle is the emblem of "Shqipëria" or ''Land of the Eagles'', which is known in English as [[Albania]] (see [[The Tale of the Eagle]] for the legendary origin of the name)
 
−
*** '''Russian Empire'''. After the fall of Constantinople, the [[Russian Empire]] took the two-headed eagle as its own symbol.
 
−
** '''Charlemagne and Holy Roman Empire'''. After his crowning as the new Roman Emperor, [[Charlemagne]] adopted the ancient [[Aquila (Roman)|Roman eagle]] as his own symbol. The Holy Roman Empire born of his kingdom took the eagle, but the [[Habsburg]]s replaced the [[golden eagle]] by an [[imperial eagle]]. From this derives:
 
−
*** '''Austria'''. The [[Austrian Empire]] had a two-headed eagle as its symbol. After the abolition of [[Austria-Hungary]], [[Austria]] took as its symbol a one-headed eagle in the modern [[coat of arms of Austria]].
 
−
*** '''Germany and Prussia'''. [[Prussia]], and later [[Germany]] have used a black eagle as their national symbol.
 
−
*** '''Spain'''. The "Catholic Kings", Isabella and Ferdinand, used the [[Golden Eagle]] as a part of the royal shield. The eagle was on the Spanish shield until 1978.
 
−
* '''Serbia/Montenegro'''. The [[Two-headed eagle]] is the emblem of [[Coat of Arms of Serbia|Serbia]], [[Coat of Arms of Montenegro|Montenegro]], and [[Coat of Arms of Serbia and Montenegro|Serbia and Montenegro]].
 
−
*The '''Seljuk Turks''' and [[Ottoman Turks]] used a double-headed eagle as coats-of-arms.
 
−
* '''USA'''. The [[United States]] has adopted the North American [[Bald Eagle]] as its national emblem.  Although the [[Golden Eagle]] is found in North America, U.S. references to an unspecified "eagle" are often to the Bald Eagle, especially in an emblematic context.  However, a few U.S. coins have shown the Golden Eagle (recognizable because the feathering on its legs extends to the base of the toes);<ref>{{cite web | last = Roach | first = Steven | date = Jan. 10, 2000 | title = A History and Interpretation of Bela Lyon Pratt's Indian Designs | publisher = Professional Coin Grading Service | url = http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=1826&universeid=313&type=1 | accessdate = 2007-01-02}}</ref> <ref>{{cite journal | title = New Washington Quarter Has Wrong Species of Eagle | journal = Science News | issue = Sept. 3, 1932 | url = http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20020907/timeline.asp | accessdate = 2007-01-02}}</ref> this error is the cause of the expression "illegal eagle".{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
 
  
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===Eagles as religious objects===
+
The eagle is the symbol used to depict [[John the Apostle]] in some Christian churches, whose writing most clearly witnesses the divinity of Christ. In art, John, as the author of the Gospel, is sometimes depicted with an eagle.  
−
In Jewish tradition the eagle is a symbol of greatness, and leaders such as the [[Middle ages|medieval]] sage [[Maimonides]] and the [[Lubavitcher Rebbe]], [[Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson]], have been referred to by their peers and students as "The Great Eagle". The Torah compares God Himself to an eagle in Deuteronomy, 32.11-12. "As an eagle awakens its nest, hovering over its [[Fledgling (birds)|fledgling]]s, it spreads its wings, taking them and carrying them on its pinions. [So] the Lord guided them [the Israelites] alone, and there was no alien deity with Him."
 
  
−
Eagle [[lectern]]s are very common in Christian churches and cathedrals. The eagle is the symbol used to depict [[John the Apostle]], whose writing most clearly witnesses the light and divinity of Christ.  In art, John, as the presumed author of the Gospel, is often depicted with an eagle, which symbolizes the height he rose in the first chapter of his gospel. See [[Names of John]].
+
The eagle is very commonly used as a symbol for nations and organizations.
−
 
 
−
The eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and the feathers of the eagle are central to many [[religious]] and [[spiritual]] customs, especially amongst [[Native Americans in the United States]] and [[First Nations|First Nations in Canada]], as well as among many of the peoples of [[Meso-America]].  Some Native American peoples revere eagles as sacred religious objects and the feathers and parts of [[Bald Eagle|Bald]] and [[Golden Eagles]] are often compared to the [[Bible]] and [[crucifix]]. Eagle feathers are often used in various ceremonies and are used to honor noteworthy achievements and qualities such as exceptional leadership and bravery.  In the cultures of the [[Northwest Coast]], Eagle is also a supernatural being and also the ancestor and reatures in the heraldic crests of important clans known as [[totem poles]].
 
−
 
 
−
Despite modern and historic Native American practices of giving eagle feathers to non-indigenous people and also members of other tribes who have been deemed worthy, current United States [[eagle feather law]] stipulates that only individuals of certifiable [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers for [[religious]] or [[spiritual]] use.  In Canada, poaching of eagle feathers for the booming U.S. market has sometimes resulted in the arrests of First Nations person for the crime.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
 
−
 
 
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===Eagles as organizational symbols===
 
−
* '''Australia'''. The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] uses the [[Wedge-tailed Eagle]] on its coat of arms. There is also an [[Australian Rules Football]] club called the [[West Coast Eagles]], and an NRL Football club called the Manly Sea Eagles.
 
−
* '''Greece'''. The [[double-headed eagle]] is the emblem of the Greek sport clubs [[AEK]] (black eagle with open wings on yellow background) and [[PAOK]] (black eagle with closed wings on white background, as a symbol of mourning). It is a symbol of the clubs' origins, since both clubs were founded by Greeks who fled to Greece from Constantinople in 1922-23.
 
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* '''Italy'''. The Roman eagle is the symbol of the Roman sports club [[S.S. Lazio]].
 
−
* '''Nigeria'''. The [[Nigeria Football Association]], the nation's [[football (soccer)]] governing body, has a green eagle perched on a football as its organisational symbol and logo. The Nigerian national football team is known as the 'Super Eagles', the under-20 youth team as the 'Flying Eagles', and the under-17 national side as the 'Golden Eaglets'. They all have an eagle as their symbol.
 
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* '''Portugal'''. Eagle is the symbol of the Portuguese football team Sport Lisboa e [[Benfica]].
 
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* '''Turkey'''. ''Black Eagles'' is used for the Turkish sports club [[Beşiktaş J.K.]].
 
−
* '''USA'''. Eagles are a common motif for American companies and organizations seeking association with a national identity.  A few examples are the [[United States Postal Service]], the [[Constitution Party (United States)|Constitution Party]], and the name of the [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|highest rank]] in the [[Boy Scouts of America]].  Among the sports teams whose mascot is an eagle, the only one in a major league of a major sport (by U.S. standards) is the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] ([[American football]]).
 
−
* '''China'''. Flying eagle is the logo of [[Shatin Pui Ying College]] in [[Hong Kong]]. In this school, an award is called Flying Eagle Award with the eagle badges as prizes.
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
<references/>
+
* Berrin, K. and Larco Museum. 1997. ''The Spirit of Ancient Peru: Treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera''. New York: Thames and Hudson. ISBN 0500018022.
−
*''Splitting headaches? Recent taxonomic changes affecting the British and Western Palaearctic lists'' - Martin Collinson, [[British Birds (magazine)|British Birds]] vol 99 (June 2006), 306-323
+
* Bunce, M., M. Szulkin, H. R. L. Lerner, et al. 2005. [http://biology.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.0030009 Ancient DNA provides new insights into the evolutionary history of New Zealand's extinct giant eagle.] ''PLoS Biol'' 3(1): e9. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
−
*Bruguier, Leonard.[http://www.usd.edu/iais/veterans/feather.html A Warrior's Eagle Feather]
+
* del Hoyo, J., A. Elliot, and J. Sargatal (eds.). 1994. ''Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl''. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334156.
−
 
+
* Lerner, H. R. L., and D. P. Mindell. 2005. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WNH-4G94HM8-1&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=85dad3ad19bb46aaea7678bd67f8f7ff Phylogeny of eagles, Old World vultures, and other Accipitridae based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.] ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' 37: 327–346. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
−
==See also==
+
* Olsen, P. 2004. Accipitridae. In B. Grzimek, D. G. Kleiman, V. Geist, and M. C. McDade, ''Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia.'' Detroit: Thomson-Gale. ISBN 0307394913.
−
* [[Eagle (heraldry)]]
+
* Shlaer, R. 1972. [http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/176/4037/920?ck=nck An eagle's eye: Quality of the retinal image.] ''Science'' 176(4037): 920–922. PMID 5033635. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
 +
* Sin, L. 2006. [http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=7037508c-70c7-4c47-9d3e-713a118e6b66&k=55151 Charges laid in eagle-poaching case: Bird parts used in native ceremonies or for artistic purposes.] ''The Province'' April 30, 2006. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
 +
* Thiollay, J. M. 1994. Family Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles). In J. del Hoyo, A. Elliot, and J. Sargatal (eds.). ''Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl''. Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334156.
 +
* United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). n.d. National eagle repository. ''Office of Law Enforcement, United States Fish and Wildlife Service''.
  
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==External links==
 
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{{Wiktionary |eagle}}
 
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* [http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/eagles/index.html PBS Nature: Eagles]
 
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*[http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=30 Eagle videos on the Internet Bird Collection]
 
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* [http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/eagle-photos.html Eagle photos - including chick in nest]
 
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* [http://www.ub.edu/aligaperdiguera Web of the Conservation Biology Team-Bonelli's Eagle, of the University of Barcelona]
 
  
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[[Category:Life sciences]]
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[[Category:Animals]]
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[[Category:Birds]]
  
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{{credit|132174599}}
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{{credit|Eagle|241202604|Aquila_(genus)|236670653|Accipitridae|241335511}}

Latest revision as of 01:24, 16 January 2023

Eagle
Bald Eagle
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genera

Several, see text.

Eagle is the common name for various diurnal birds of prey in the family Accipitridae of the bird order Falconiformes, characterized by large size, powerful hooked beaks, strong legs and feet with great curved, sharp talons, keen vision, long broad wings and strong soaring flight, and fully feathered, often crested heads.

In particular, members of the genus Aquila are known as "true eagles," but many other birds in other genera also are known as eagles. Eagles are not a natural group but denote essentially any bird of prey large enough to hunt sizable (about 50 centimeters long or more overall) vertebrate prey. Birds with the common name of hawks and kites are also members of the Accipitridae family.

Eagles are important in food chains as top predators, with larger species, such as the harpy eagle (Harpia haryja) and crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), even preying on adult monkeys, sloths, porcupines, small antelope, and large parrots (Olsen 2004). The Australian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) has been known to hunt cooperatively and kill adult kangaroos and dingoes (Olsen 2004). For humans, they have an integral role in culture as national and organization symbols, and the eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures, with the feathers central to many religious and spiritual customs. They appear prominently in myth and literature. On a practical level, eagles sometimes are used in falconry.

Overview and description

Accipitridae family

The Accipitridae family, to which eagles belong, is one of the two major families within the order Falconiformes (the diurnal birds of prey). In addition to eagles, many well-known birds, such as hawks, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures are included in this group. Most other raptors, but not all, belong to the Falconidae, or falcon family. Accripitrids differ from members of the other raptorial family in several skeletal features, as well as having well-developed nest-building behavior (versus poor or absent), forceful squirting of excreta (versus dropping of excreta), and yellow, red, or hazel eyes (versus brown) (Olsen 2004).

The accipitrids have been variously divided into some 2 to 10 subfamilies. Most of them share a very similar morphology, but many of these groups contain taxa that are more aberrant. These are placed in their respective position more for lack of better evidence than anything else. It is, thus, not very surprising that the phylogenetic layout of the accipitrids has always been a matter of dispute.

The Accipitridae are a diverse family with a great deal of variation in size and shape. They range in size from the tiny pearl kite, which is 25 centimeters in length and weighs no more than 100 grams, to the Philippine eagle, which is 1 meter in length and which may weight up to 7 kilograms (Thiollay 1994).

The beaks of accipitrids are strong and hooked (sometimes very hooked, as in the hook-billed kite or snail kite). In all accipitrids, the base of the upper mandible is covered by a fleshy membrane called the cere, which is usually yellow in color. The tarsi of different species vary by diet, those of bird hunting species like sparrowhawks are long and thin, while species that hunt large mammals have much thicker, stronger ones, and snake-eagle have thick scales to protect from bites.

Eagles

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. Eagles (and hawks) also have the bony eye shield ("brow") that is lacking in the kites of the same family (Olsen 2004).

Thermographic image of an eagle, thermoregulating using its wings

Eagles belong to several genera that are not necessarily closely related to each other genetically. In recent years, new research into eagle taxonomy suggests that the important genera Aquila and Hieraaetus are not composed of nearest relatives, and it is likely that a reclassification of these genera will soon take place, with some species being moved to Lophaetus or Ictinaetus (Lerner and Mindell 2005).

Most of the more than 60 species of eagles occur in Eurasia and Africa (del Hoyo et al. 1994). Outside this area, just two species (the bald and golden eagles) can be found in the United States and Canada, a few more in Central and South America, and three in Australia.

Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, and powerful talons. They also have extremely keen eyesight to enable them to spot potential prey from a very long distance (Shlaer 1972). 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.

In Britain before 1678, the term eagle referred specifically to the golden eagle, with the other native species, the white-tailed eagle, being known as the Erne. The modern name "golden eagle" for Aquila chrysaetos was introduced by the naturalist John Ray.

Species

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
    • Genus Harpia
      • Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
    • Genus Pithecophaga
      • Philippine eagle, Pithecophaga jefferyi
    • Genus Harpyopsis
      • New Guinea eagle, Harpyopsis novaeguineae
    • Genus Oroaetus
      • Black-and-chestnut eagle, Oroaetus isidori
    • Genus Spizaetus
      • Cassin's hawk-eagle, Spizaetus africanus
      • Changeable hawk-eagle, S. cirrhatus
      • Mountain hawk-eagle, S. nipalensis
      • Blyth's hawk-eagle, S. alboniger
      • Javan hawk-eagle, S. bartelsi
      • Sulawesi hawk-eagle, S. lanceolatus
      • Philippine hawk-eagle, S. philippensis
      • Wallace's hawk-eagle, S. nanus
      • Black hawk-eagle, S. tyrannus
      • Ornate hawk-eagle, S. ornatus
      • Black-and-white hawk-eagle, S. melanoleucus
    • Genus Lophaetus
      • Long-crested eagle, Lophaetus occipitalis—possibly belongs in Ictinaetus
    • Genus Stephanoaetus
      • Crowned hawk-eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus
    • Genus Polemaetus
      • Martial eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus
    • Genus Hieraaetus
      • Ayres' hawk-eagle, Hieraaetus ayresii
      • African hawk eagle, H. spilogaster
      • New Guinea hawk-eagle, H. weiskei
A Steppe Eagle in Lahore Zoo Pakistan.
    • Genus Harpagornis (extinct)
      • Haast's eagle, Harpagornis moorei—possibly belongs in either Hieraaetus or Aquila (Bunce et al. 2005)
    • Genus Aquila
      • Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata—formerly Hieraaetus fasciatus
      • Booted eagle, A. pennata—formerly Hieraaetus pennatus
      • Little eagle, A. morphnoides
      • Golden eagle, A. chrysaetos
      • Eastern imperial eagle, A. heliaca
      • Rufous-bellied eagle, A. kienerii
      • Spanish imperial eagle A. adalberti
      • Steppe eagle, A. nipalensis
      • Tawny eagle, A. rapax
      • Greater spotted eagle, A. clanga—to be moved to Lophaetus or Ictinaetus
      • Lesser spotted eagle, A. pomarina—to be moved to Lophaetus or Ictinaetus
      • Indian spotted eagle, A. hastata—to be moved to Lophaetus or Ictinaetus
      • Verreaux's eagle, A. verreauxii
      • Gurney's eagle, A. gurneyi
      • Wahlberg's eagle, A. wahlbergi
      • Wedge-tailed eagle, A. audax
    • Genus Ictinaetus
      • Black eagle, Ictinaetus malayensis
    • Genus Haliaeetus
      • White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla
      • Bald eagle, H. leucocephalus
      • Steller's sea-eagle, H. pelagicus
      • African fish-eagle, H. vocifer
      • White-bellied sea-eagle, H. leucogaster
      • Sanford's fish-eagle, H. sanfordi
      • Madagascar fish-eagle, H. vociferoides
      • Pallas' sea-eagle, H. leucoryphus
    • Genus Ichthyophaga
      • Lesser fish-eagle, Ichthyophaga humilis
      • Grey-headed fish-eagle, I. ichthyaetus
A dark individual of the short-toed eagle.
  • Subfamily Circaetinae: snake-eagles
    • Genus Terathopius
      • Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus
    • Genus Circaetus
      • Short-toed eagle, Circaetus gallicus
      • Black-chested snake-eagle, C. pectoralis
      • Brown snake-eagle, C. cinereus
      • Fasciated snake-eagle, C. fasciolatus
      • Banded snake-eagle, C. cinerascens
    • Genus Spilornis
      • Crested serpent-eagle, Spilornis cheela
      • Nicobar serpent-eagle, S. minimus
      • Mountain serpent-eagle,S. kinabaluensis
      • Sulawesi serpent-eagle, S. rufipectus
      • Philippine serpent-eagle, S. holospilus
      • Andaman serpent-eagle, S. elgini
    • Genus Eutriorchis
      • Madagascar serpent-eagle, Eutriorchis astur

Eagles and culture

The eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and the feathers of the eagle are central to many religious and spiritual customs, especially among Native Americans in the United States and First Nations in Canada, as well as among many of the peoples of Meso-America. Some Native American peoples revere eagles as sacred religious objects and the feathers and parts of bald and golden eagles are often compared to the Bible and crucifix. Eagle feathers are often used in various ceremonies and are used to honor noteworthy achievements and qualities such as exceptional leadership and bravery. In the cultures of the Northwest Coast, Eagle is also a supernatural being and also the ancestor and features in the heraldic crests of important clans known as totem poles.

The Moche people of ancient Peru worshiped the animal and often depicted eagles in their art (Berrin and Larco 1997).

Despite modern and historic Native American practices of giving eagle feathers to non-indigenous people and also members of other tribes who have been deemed worthy, current United States eagle feather law stipulates that only individuals of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers for religious or spiritual purposes (USFWS). In Canada, poaching of eagle feathers for the booming U.S. market has sometimes resulted in the arrests of First Nations person for the crime (Sin 2006).

The eagle is the symbol used to depict John the Apostle in some Christian churches, whose writing most clearly witnesses the divinity of Christ. In art, John, as the author of the Gospel, is sometimes depicted with an eagle.

The eagle is very commonly used as a symbol for nations and organizations.

References
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