Top 10 biggest eagles in the world

Eagles are fairly large birds of prey that belong to the hawk family. They live in Africa, as well as in Eurasia and North America. These animals have a rather large wingspan – it can reach 2,5 meters. Very beautiful and amazing creatures.

Most often, eagles prefer to hunt small vertebrates. At first they look out for them while still hovering in the sky. It is worth noting that some species may well feed on simple carrion.

Currently, the number of these birds is declining. This is due to the fact that people destroy our nature, while developing agricultural activities. All strongly affects the reduction of food for eagles.

In this article, we will look at what the largest eagles in the world are.

10 Eagle dwarf

Eagle dwarf – one of the small representatives of this amazing family. Many note that he is very attractive, as his physique is similar to that of a buzzard.

Unlike the falcon, the dwarf eagle prefers to hunt not only in the sky, but also on the ground. This species was first studied in 1788. This name fully justifies the size of this bird. Currently, only 2 subspecies are known. Some have dark plumage, while others are light.

It is worth noting that the Indo-Europeans attached quite great importance to this species. In fact, the name “dwarf” does not at all correspond to the appearance of a harsh and rather dangerous bird. Its small size is offset by powerful paws and tenacious claws.

The dwarf eagle can easily live in Europe, as well as in South Africa and Central Asia. It prefers to eat hares and rabbits, rats, as well as starlings, magpies, forest larks, partridges and many others.

9. hawk eagle

hawk eagle – This is a fairly large bird that belongs to the hawk family. The length of one of its wings is almost 55 cm. The color is completely different – mostly blackish-brown.

This species of eagles lives in the tropical and subtropical zones. It feeds on small mammals, rabbits, hares, partridges, pigeons. Prey can be caught on the ground and in the air.

Currently classified as endangered. The reason for the extermination is people. It is worth noting that very often these birds die on the wires of power lines.

8. stone eagle

Current strength stone eagles estimates from a hundred to a thousand individuals. This species was first discovered in 1822. It lives in Africa, Central and South Asia. For example, in India, the stone eagle prefers to live near small towns. Many residents note that it can be seen at an altitude of up to three thousand meters.

These animals are very well attached to their habitats, and therefore rarely leave them. They are mainly diurnal, and they fly out to hunt quite early in the morning. In the evening they go to bed.

The diet includes medium and large insects. The life expectancy of such a bird is not more than 30 years.

7. Great Spotted Eagle

Great Spotted Eagle has a body length of about 65-75 centimeters. Females are much larger than males. The plumage is mostly monophonic, dark brown, but the back of the head can be colored a little lighter.

They prefer to live in Eurasia, Poland, Hungary and even China. Winter is met in India or Iran. You can also see in Russia.

This species of eagles prefers to live more in mixed forests, as well as near meadows and swamps. The spotted eagle tries to catch its prey from a great height. It feeds on rodents, as well as small reptiles and amphibians.

Currently, these animals are bred in captivity. They are listed in the Red Book of Russia, as their population is significantly declining.

6. Spanish burial ground

Spanish burial ground took its name from Prince Adalbert of Bavaria. Until recently, this species has been considered as a subspecies of the imperial eagle, but now it is considered a separate species. The body length is only 80 cm, the wingspan is up to 2,2 meters.

The plumage is dark brown. Can be found in Spain and Portugal. Basically, the Spanish imperial eagle prefers to eat rabbits, as well as rodents, hares, pigeons, ducks and sometimes even foxes.

Calmly feels on open landscapes. It is worth noting that this species of eagles prefers to lead a monogamous lifestyle. Currently, a decrease in the bird population is known. They die mainly due to illegal poison baits that people lay out.

5. Gravedigger

Gravedigger – This is a fairly large bird that belongs to the hawk family. Prefers to live in the forest-steppe zone of Eurasia, as well as in the central regions of China.

It hunts gophers, marmots, small hares and birds. It is considered a separate independent species. From the golden eagle, for example, it differs in smaller sizes.

Ornithologists believe that this species was named so because they bury their dead relatives. Currently listed in the Red Book of Russia, as their populations are declining.

4. Steppe eagle

Now steppe eagle considered to be a fairly rare endangered species. But just three decades ago they were numerous and widespread.

When the eagle reaches the age of four years, it changes its color to dark brown. It is found on the territory of Russia, in the Astrakhan and Rostov regions.

In order for it to exist normally, open spaces are needed that are not touched by people. In most cases, it leads a daytime lifestyle. It may well feed on small and medium-sized rodents and ground squirrels.

3. kaffir eagle

kaffir eagle considered to be a fairly large bird. It differs from others in that it has 2 white stripes on the shoulders in the form of the Latin letter V. They were first studied by the French naturalist Rene in 1831.

Most of them live in South Sahara. Settle in drier mountainous areas. They lead a very simple life. Eagles are strongly attached to their home area, and they try not to leave it.

It is worth noting that the kaffir eagle makes amazing sounds that are similar to the voices of young turkeys. It feeds on small antelopes, monkeys, hares, and rabbits. In rare cases, carrion may also be used. Before attacking their prey, they descend low to the ground.

2. wedge-tailed eagle

wedge-tailed eagle – This is an exclusively diurnal bird of prey, found mainly in Australia, as well as in Tasmania. He prefers to build his nest on higher trees, from where you can see all the surroundings. Favorable conditions where there is enough food for them.

They can also feed on carrion, but their main prey is rabbits, lizards and small birds. Cases of attacks on small lambs have been known.

1. Berkut

Berkut It is considered one of the largest birds that belong to the hawk family. It has not only impressive dimensions, but also a specific taste.

It can adapt to completely different conditions. It is almost impossible to see him, as he has great intelligence and cunning and almost always avoids meeting a person.

Currently, their number is significantly reduced. Lives in Alaska, Russia, Belarus, Spain. It feeds on hares, foxes, marmots, turtles, squirrels and many others.