There are a variety of birds across the globe. Each of them is unique in its own way. Let’s take peacocks, it is such a delight to see them spread their feathers and showcase their dancing skills. Being that, today we are going to talk about the largest Eagles in the world based on their body mass, size, and various other factors. It is fascinating to witness the flight of this powerful bird. Let’s wait no more and talk in detail about the ten largest eagles in the world,
Largest Eagles in the world
1. Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 284cm or 9ft 4in)
The wedge-Tailed eagle is also known as Bunjil and Eaglehawk. Its wings are 7 feet and 5 inches wide and its weight varies from around 12 pounds. The beautiful eagle species have been recognized as the biggest raptor (bird of prey) in Australia. They feed on lambs, snakes, rabbits et cetera. These birds mate for life but if one of the two dies then they find another partner for themselves. They don’t have a particular hunting pattern as they may go single or in groups. Moreover, they are strong enough to kill big animals like Kangaroos.
Image Source: Jean and Fred HortF
2. Golden Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 281 cm or 9ft 3in)
The golden eagle is the national bird of Mexico. Being considered the largest bird of prey in North America, it has expertise in hunting. They fly at a great speed around 150 miles per hour. Their total length varies between 26 to 40 inches and their wings are around 5 to 7 feet broad. Their average body mass is around 4 kilograms. As per their conservation status, they are one of the least concerned species. These intelligent birds use smart tactics to catch their prey. Moreover, when it comes to their speed, they can fly at 320 km/hr.
Also Read: 16 Types of hawks in the World
3. African Martial Eagles (Maximum Wingspan- 260 cm or 8ft 6in)
Among all the African Eagles, Martial Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey. They are so strong and powerful that they can knock a man within minutes. They can break a human arm or leg with a single foot. They weigh around 6.5 kilograms and their wingspan is around 6 feet 4 inches. Jaw-Dropping, Isn’t it? In total, they are 32 inches in length. They feed on bustards, francolins, poultry, and guineafowl. Moreover, they are more active during the day and less during the afternoon hours.
Also Read: 10 Types Of Hawks In Minnesota
Image Source: Wikimedia
4. White Tailed Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 253cm or 8.3ft)
White-tailed eagle is one of the largest birds alive. Among all the Eagles in the world, it is the fourth largest. Its total length varies between 26 to 37 inches and its wings are around 5 to 8 feet wide. It weighs around 6-7 kilograms. It is native to Russia, Europe, and the Middle East. These birds are very loyal and stay in a monogamous relationship till they die. Interestingly, it is the national bird of Germany.
5. American Bald Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 250cm or 8.2ft)
The American bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and one of the popular black birds with yellow beaks. People of that country consider it a symbol of spirituality. Don’t go by their name, they are not actually bald, it’s just that they have a white feathered head which gives them such an appearance. One of the most graceful animals can grow around 36 inches in length and their wingspan is about 6 feet and 6 inches. Their body is dark brown in color. They have yellow feet, beaks, and eyes.
6. Stellar Sea Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 250cm or 8ft 2in)
The stellar sea eagle is one of the most magnificent birds in the world. This Eagle has a very large head and a yellow bill. Its body mass varies between 4.9-and 6 kilograms. Its wings are around 2-2.5 meters broad. It weighs around nine kilograms, thus making it one of the heaviest eagles in the world. They feed on fish. Their nests are bulky and are mainly made out of sticks and twigs and their eggs are greenish-white in color. As per IUCN, its conservation status is vulnerable. These birds are given legal protection in various countries and in Japan, they are recognized as national treasures.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. Verreaux’s Eagle (Maximum Wingspan- 226cm or 7ft 5in)
Verreaux’s Eagle is a large African bird which is also known as the black eagle. However, it is not the same as the Indian black Eagle. Its total length varies between 30 to 38 inches and its average weight is around 10 to 30 pounds. Their wings are around seven feet broad. Their appearance is somewhat similar to the golden eagle but they have huge feet. It mostly lives in the Sub-Saharan regions of Africa. They love to feed on hyrax, rabbits, and various other small mammals.
Here is the list of biggest eagles in the world based on total length,
1. Philippine eagle (Maximum Length- 112cm)
The Philippine eagle is an endangered eagle. Its wingspan is around 6 foot 5 inches. It has long and soft brown feathers and it is the national bird of the Philippines and that’s where its name comes from. It is also known as the Monkey Eagle. They feed on bats, monkeys, birds, snakes et cetera. Its total length varies between 2 to 3 feet and it weighs around 17 pounds. Their hunting is strictly prohibited in the Philippines. Anyone who does that is punished with imprisonment of 12 years as per the law of the land.
Also Read: 8 Types Of Hawks In New Jersey
2. Harpy Eagle (Maximum Length- 107cm)
Harpy eagles’ total length varies between 3 to 3.5 feet and their wings are around 6.5 feet broad. Their average weight is around 4-9 kilograms. The female weighs twice the male. With enormous talons, they are one of the strongest and most powerful eagles in the world. It is also known as Papuan Harpy Eagle or American Eagle. Their diet consists of sloths and monkeys. According to the IUCN red list, their conservation status is threatened. This is because of shooting and loss of habitat.
3. Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Maximum Length- 106cm)
The wedge-tailed eagle scientifically known as Aquila audax is one of the largest eagles in the world reaching upto a length of 106cm. The eagle species primarily prey on rabbits, brown hare, cats, kangaroos, birds, koalas, wallabies, wombats, and lizards. It loves to thrive in regions of woodlands, grasslands, mountainous regions, dense forests,s, and trans fly savannas. The total wingspan of the eagle species is between 32 to 42 inches and the avarage wieght is between 4.4 to 12.8 lb. Talking about their appearance, they are blackish-brown in color and scientifically known as quila audax.
4. Stellar Sea Eagle (Maximum Length- 105cm)
The stellar sea eagle scientifically known as Haliaeetus pelagicus is one of the largest birds of prey that lives in coastal northeastern Asia. It loves to stay near water along with narrow strips of the coast and even towards forested valleys along lower reaches of rivers. The avarage lifespan of the eagle species is 20 years or more in the wild. The stellar sea eagle is the largest of all sea eagles even the heaviest known eagle in the world. The eagle species is diurnal in nature means they are active during the day and rest during the night.
5. Crowned Eagle (Maximum Length- 99cm)
The African crowned eagle is also known as the crown-hawk eagle. It is a huge bird as its total length is around 31-39 inches. Its average weight is around 4-5 kilograms. When we talk about its wings, they are around 6 feet and 3 inches broad. The tail of this Eagle is 12-16 inches long. It is only found in the eastern parts of the African continent. Moreover, the breeding cycle of this bird is very long. A single cycle is as long as 500 days. Its diet consists of mostly olive baboons, yellow baboons, hyraxes, and various other small mammals.
Image Source: Wikimedia
These are the largest eagles in the world. Kindly share and do post your comments.