Germany | 1951 | 2 Marks | Eagle

 Eagle



Eagles are large birds of prey from the family Accipitridae, with around sixty species spread across Eurasia and Africa. Only fourteen species are found outside these regions—two in North America, nine in Central and South America, and three in Australia. Eagles are known for their powerful build, with heavy heads and beaks. Even the smallest species, such as the booted eagle (Aquila pennata), have long, broad wings and fast, direct flight. Most eagles are larger than other raptors, excluding some vultures. The smallest is the South Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), while the largest species are noted for their immense size.

Eagles possess strong hooked beaks, muscular legs, and powerful talons for tearing flesh. Their eyesight is exceptional, with some species, like the martial eagle, having up to 3.6 times better vision than humans, allowing them to spot prey from great distances. This sharp vision is aided by large pupils that reduce light diffraction. In all eagle species, females are larger than males.


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