Our new issue is: Eagles
Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with a heavy head, large hooked beak to tear flesh from their prey, strong muscular legs, and powerful talons. They also have extremely keen eyesight which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance.
Eagles normally build their nests in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched. The dominant chick tends to be the female, as they are bigger than the male. The parents take no action to stop the killing.
Upper row (left to right)
Pithecophaga jefferyi / Philippine Eagle / Monkey-eating Eagle
The Pithecophaga jefferyi is endemic to forests in the Philippines, and has been declared the Philippine national bird. Killing a Philippine Eagle is punishable under Philippine law by twelve years in jail and heavy fines.The Philippine Eagle was known initially as the Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle because it was believed to feed on monkeys exclusively; this has proven to be inaccurate. Later studies revealed that the alleged monkey-eating eagle also ate other animals such as large snakes, lizards, birds, flying foxes, giant cloud-rats.
Harpia harpyja / Harpy Eagle / American Harpy Eagle
The Harpia harpyja is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the Americas, and among the largest extant species of eagles in the world. It usually inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer. Destruction of its natural habitat has seen it vanish from many parts of its former range, and it is almost extinct in Central America.
Morphnus guianensis / Crested Eagle
The Morphnus guianensis is sparsely distributed throughout Central and South America. It often overlaps in range with the Harpy Eagle, which is likely its close relative and is somewhat similar to appearance, though the Crested Eagle is half that species' bulk and avoids competition by taking generally smaller prey.
Caracara plancus / Southern Crested Caracara
The Caracara plancus is restricted to central and southern South America. It is often seen walking around on the ground looking for food. It mainly feeds on carcasses of dead animals, but will steal food from other raptors, raid bird nests, and take live prey if the possibility arises (mostly insects or other small prey).
Lophaetus occipitalis / Long-crested Eagle
The Lophaetus occipitalis is a medium-sized bird (about 55 cm), found in Africa south of the Sahara, except in the arid zones. In southern Africa it is a fairly common resident in the eastern areas.
Although it's preferred habitat is woodland it can often be seen at the roadside, usually perched on a convenient fence or telegraph pole.
Lower row (left to right)
Stephanoaetus coronatus / Crowned Eagle / Crowned Hawk-eagle
The Stephanoaetus coronatus is a very large, powerful, crested bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. Its staple diet consists of monkeys and other medium-sized mammals.The Crowned Eagle is Africa's most powerful and ferocious eagle in terms of the weight and nature of prey taken.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus / Bald Eagle
The Haliaeetus leucocephalus is found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. Its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.Bald Eagles are not actually bald; the name derives from the older meaning of the word, "white headed".
Vultur gryphus / Andean Condor
The Vultur gryphus is found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America.The head and neck are nearly featherless, and are a dull red color, which may flush and therefore change color in response to the bird's emotional state. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 100 years old in captivity.
Aquila chrysaetos / Golden Eagle
The Aquila chrysaetos is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. The highest density of nesting Golden Eagles in the world lies in southern Alameda County, California. They are monogamous and may remain together for several years or possibly for life. They build huge nests to which they may return for several breeding years.