Eagle

This article is about the broad family of birds. For other meanings, see Eagle (disambiguation).

Eagle

Closeup view of an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle showing the hooked beak.

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Accipitriformes*
Family:	Accipitridae
Genera:	Aquila, Haliaeetus, Pithecophaga, Circaetus

(*) Scientists argue whether Accipitriformes are a separate order, or belong to the Falconiformes.

Eagles large predatory birds, which are found in almost all parts of the world. They are members of the bird of prey order Falconiformes, family Accipitridae. They belong to several different genera.

The eagle has been used by many nations as a national symbol, depicting both power and beauty. The Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt used it as their seal, while the Romans used it on the standards of their armies. The United States adopted the North American Bald Eagle as its national emblem.

Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs and powerful talons. They also have extremely keen eyesight to enable them to spot potential prey from a distance.