Eagles are fascinating birds. They have traditionally been seen as emblems of strength and independence due to their exceptional hunting skills, strong wings, and acute vision. However, a fun fact about eagles is that they are some of the fastest birds in the world. The golden and bald eagles have top speeds of 200 mph and 99 mph, respectively. In this blog, we will discuss about eagles and how fast they can fly. We also share a few fun facts about eagles that you can share with your kids.
What is the Speed at Which Eagles Fly?
An eagle’s speed depends on its activity. Eagles reach impressive speeds when diving for prey, sometimes exceeding 160 kilometres per hour. Their usual flight speed, however, is a more moderate 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Golden eagles are known for particularly fast dives, potentially reaching over 320 kilometres per hour. Now that is quite fast!
Fun Facts About Eagles
Here is a list of some incredible fun facts about eagles that will definitely surprise you:
- Super Sharp Vision
- Massive Wingspan
- They Build Huge Nests
- How long do eagles live?
- Eagles Can Swim!
- Eagles Have Built-in Sunglasses!
- Eagles Don’t Flap Their Wings Much
- Eagles Are Super Loyal
Eagles possess exceptional eyesight, estimated to be four to five times sharper than human vision. This allows them to spot prey from distances of over three kilometres.
Eagles’ powerful legs and feet help them capture and hold onto prey. Their sharp talons also help. Thanks to their strength, eagles can carry fish, rabbits, and even small deer.
Eagles can be categorised into different species based on their wingspan range. Generally, an eagle’s wingspan can vary between 1.8 and 2.5 meters, which is nearly the span of a small car.
Eagles can single-handedly build the largest nests among other birds; an eagle’s nests have an estimate of weighing a motorcycle.
Wild eagles typically live for 20 to 30 years, though some individuals may survive longer. Under human care, tamed eagles can reach up to 50 years of age.
Yes, you read that right: eagles can actually swim! If an eagle catches a fish that’s too heavy to carry, it will use its powerful wings like paddles to swim to shore. Many of you might have seen bald eagles rowing through the water using their wings; that’s because they have grabbed a fish that’s too big to fly with.
Eagles have a special see-through eyelid called a nictitating membrane that works like built-in sunglasses, helping them see clearly even in bright sunlight. This eyelid also wipes away dust and dirt while they fly, like a car’s windshield wiper!
Unlike smaller birds that flap their wings all the time, eagles glide and soar for hours without flapping! They use warm air currents called thermals to lift them high into the sky.
Eagles choose one mate for life and build nests together. Every year, they return to the same nest and make it bigger and stronger. Some eagle couples have been together for decades.
Physical Features of Eagles
Eagles have short spans of huge wings that cover great distances, which makes them strong and swift. Physical features of eagles include:
- Large Wings: Their durable wings allow them to glide effortlessly to great distances easily.
- Hooked Beak: Their beak is curved and sharp, allowing an easier tear into the prey.
- Powerful Legs and Talons: Their sharp talons and strong legs enable them to grasp food firmly.
- Feather Adaptations: Their feathers help them achieve speed by cutting through air resistance.
Indeed, these features are what make them the most powerful eagle bird.
How Do Eagles Achieve Such Impressive Flight Speeds?Eagles achieve their high speeds through the following techniques:
- Gliding and Soaring: Eagles like to sit on air currents instead of constantly flapping their wings to keep up the momentum, which helps them conserve energy throughout their fast flight.
- Strong Wing Muscles: Their wings have robust muscles enabling them to flap their wings aggressively and increase their speeds whenever flying.
- Streamlined Body: Eagles, with their sleek body shape, are able to sail through strong winds effortlessly and enjoyably as they experience less air drag resistance.
How Do Eagles Interact Engagingly?
In contrast to singing birds, eagles prefer using calls and whistles to announce their presence. Eagles communicate through sharp calls, whistles, and screeches, warning others of an intruder, calling their mates, or signalling something. Eagles will usually make a loud screech or a high-pitched “kee-kee-kee” sound. Other than flapping their wings and fluffing feathers, which are vocal body movements, eagles display head dominance and do hand signals. Eagles locked their talons and tumbled in mid-air to cap off courtship. Such amazing eagle characteristics can be assumed to help them maintain social connections and bonds.
Eagle’s Cultural Identity in India
Indian culture has many references to eagles in Hindu mythology. Garuda, the king of the bird, is described as a divine eagle-like creature that acts as Lord Vishnu’s mount.
Where to Find Eagles in India?
Here are the best places for seeing these birds in the wild:
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan): Nesting zone for Steppe Eagles and other migratory birds.Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand): One of the best national parks for sighting eagles gliding through the clouds.
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam): The region is home to Lesser Fish Eagle and other raptors.
The Importance of Eagles
Eagles, like all other species, have a distinct place in nature. They directly aid in maintaining balance in the ecosystem by managing the numbers of small animals such as rodents and fish. Unfortunately, certain eagle species are now endangered due to deforestation and hunting. It is our job to protect these birds so that future generations can appreciate them.
Final Thoughts
Eagles are truly magnificent birds. We hope you found some good and interesting information about eagles in this blog. They are excellent aerial hunters because of their incredible speed, powerful wings, and keen vision. Their beauty may be enjoyed from a distance, whether they are flying to amazing heights or falling into the ground at breakneck speed.
Want to teach your kids more about birds? Check out our blog, 40 Different Types Of Birds, for more information. Don’t forget to check out EuroKids Blogs for more insight into your child’s development, learning, and nutrition.
If your child enjoys discovering new species of birds and showing interest in wildlife, consider enrolling them in a suitable educational setting. One of the major preschools in India, EuroKids, provides numerous creative and fun learning activities that imbue children’s fantasies. Check out EuroKids for more details!
