The Eagle reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Eagle

A newer version of this article is available: see Eagle at Schools Wikipedia
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For other meanings, see Eagle (disambiguation).

Eagle
Closeup view of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle showing the hooked beakEnlarge

Closeup view of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle showing the hooked beak

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes*
Family: Accipitridae
Genus>Genera: Aquila, Haliaeetus, Pithecophaga, Circaetus

(*) Scientists argue whether Accipitriformes are a separate order, or belong to the Falconiformes.

Eagles are large birds of prey, which are found mainly in the Old World, with only two species (Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle) in North America and a few in South America. They are members of the bird order Falconiformes, family Accipitridae and belong to several different genera.

The eagle has been used by many nations as a national symbol, depicting both power and beauty. The Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt used it as their seal, while the Romans used it on the standards of their armies. The United States adopted the North American Bald Eagle as its national emblem.

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 distance.

Species