Accipitridae

Eagles are apex predators in their ecosystems, playing a crucial role in controlling the populations of medium-sized birds and mammals. They exhibit remarkable hunting strategies, including soaring at high altitudes to spot prey before diving at high speeds to capture it. Eagles are known for their territorial behavior, often using the same nesting sites for many years. Most species of eagles are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds that can last for life.

Eagle mating rituals often involve elaborate aerial displays, including dramatic dives and chases. They typically build large nests, known as eyries, in high places like cliffs or tall trees. The female usually lays between one and four eggs per breeding season, with both parents sharing responsibilities for incubation and feeding the young. Eaglets are born altricial (helpless) and depend on their parents for food and protection until they are ready to fledge, which can take several months.

Eagles are distinguished by their large size, powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh, strong muscular legs, and sharp talons. They possess keen eyesight, enabling them to spot potential prey from great distances. Eagle species vary greatly in size and coloration, ranging from the relatively small Booted Eagles (Hieraaetus pennatus) with a wingspan of about 1.5 meters (5 feet), to the massive Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) and the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), which can have wingspans close to 2.5 meters (8 feet).

Eagles have held a prominent place in human culture and symbolism for thousands of years, representing strength, courage, and freedom. They are featured in the folklore and mythology of various civilizations, from ancient Greece and Rome to numerous Indigenous cultures. The Bald Eagle is notably the national bird and symbol of the United States, while the Golden Eagle holds similar status in several countries, including Mexico, Germany, and Albania.

The conservation status of eagles varies by species. Some, like the Bald Eagle, have made remarkable recoveries from the brink of extinction due to conservation efforts, including habitat protection and the banning of harmful pesticides such as DDT. However, other species remain endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, poisoning, hunting, and collisions with power lines. Conservation initiatives for eagles focus on legal protection, habitat restoration, and public education to reduce human-induced threats.