Eagles are large birds of prey. There are 33 species of eagle, living in mountains, tundra, woodlands, forests or on coasts. They build their nests, called eyries, in trees or up cliffs, returning to the same nest each year. Most eagles feed on mammals or other birds, except for the fish-eating sea eagles, which eat fish, and the snake eagles which feed on reptiles. They usually grab their prey without landing, then, if its not too heavy, carry it to a perch where they tear it apart. All eagles have excellent eyesight and can spot their prey from a great distance.

Golden eagle

The most widespread of all eagles, the golden eagle lives in mountains and wildernesses all over the northern hemisphere. It has dark brown plumage and strong wings that allow it to fly even in high winds. Like all eagles, it can spot its prey—small mammals such as rabbits, hares, marmots and squirrels—from a great distance.

​​​​​​​When hunting, the golden eagle can glide at speeds of up to 190 km/h (120 mph). Diving (or stooping) towards its prey, it holds its wings close to its body and its feet against its tail. It may reach 300 km/h (200 mph). Once the prey has been snatched in its massively powerful talons, there is little chance of escape.

Harpy eagle

The harpy eagle, from the Central and South American rainforest, is one of the largest birds of prey in the world. It is strong enough to carry away large prey, such as sloths and monkeys, gripping them in its extremely large talons. Compared to other eagles, the harpy eagle's wingspan is quite small, because it needs to manoeuvre its way through the trunks and branches of the forest trees.

Pairs build large nests high in the rainforest canopy. Both parents tend to the eggs, but after the first chick has hatched, all other eggs are abandoned. Chicks stay in the nest for about six months, dependent on food from their parents until they are forced to fend for themselves.

Bald eagle

The bald eagle's head is actually covered in white feathers, but “white” is an old meaning of the word “bald”. The bald eagle keeps a look out for prey while soaring high in the air. It can spot fish more than a kilometre away. It swoops down at great speed, glides above the water before grabbing its victim in its feet and flying off to eat it.

Nest-building

Bald eagles return to the same nest year after year. Each year, the eagles bring fresh nesting material to repair and enlarge their nests. Their enormous nests, made from twigs and branches, are usually located on treetops near rivers or coasts. The largest ones can measure up to 6 metres (20 feet) across. The eagles pick the highest spot available for the best views of the land all around them.

The female lays between one and three eggs and the parents take turns to incubate them. While one parent sits on the eggs, the other searches for food or more nesting materials. Chicks hatch out about five weeks later.

Chicks

Newly hatched eagles are covered in soft, fluffy feathers known as down. The hatchlings are fed on scraps brought by their parents. Sometimes the larger chick may kill its smaller sibling, in order to secure more food for itself. After a month, the chicks grow their adult feathers.