Scientists organize eagles into four main groups: harpy eagles, serpent or snake eagles, booted eagles and fish or sea eagles. Two of the largest eagles are the Philippine eagle and the harpy eagle of tropical South America. Each can weigh more than 9 kg and have wings that spread 2 m. They use their huge claws; these giants of the treetops can kill and carry off prey as large as monkeys. Most eagles are large powerful hunters. However, some are just small pigeon sized birds that fly only short distances, eating insects and even fruit. The crested serpent eagle is the size of a small chicken. It spends its days walking and climbing through its African forest home, searching for snakes. Another smallish eagle, the African vulturine fish eagle, is nearly an herbivore. It feeds mainly on oily palm nuts.
Eagles that live in forests, such as the crested serpent eagle, have short wings and long tails. These features enable them to twist and turn easily in the air, an advantage when chasing prey at high speed through tree trunks and branches. Soaring eagles, such as the golden eagle and Africa bateleur eagle have long wings and short tails. These features let them glide effortlessly on rising air currents. However, these same features make soaring eagles poor flyers, so every takeoff and landing is an adventure. Soaring eagles often hunt from high perches, where they can literally fall into the air and swoop down on unsuspecting fish and mammals.
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Eagles are large birds of prey which are members of the bird family. They are belonging to several types which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Eagles are differentiated from other birds of prey mainly by their larger size, more powerful build, and heavier head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, like the Booted Eagle they are comparable in size to a Common Buzzard or Red tailed Hawk. They have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight.
Eagles are large birds of prey which are members of the bird family. They are belonging to several types which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Eagles are differentiated from other birds of prey mainly by their larger size, more powerful build, and heavier head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, like the Booted Eagle they are comparable in size to a Common Buzzard or Red tailed Hawk. They have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight.
