Imagine a wingspan that, for certain species, exceeds 2 metres, or an ability to dive, or swoop down, at a speed of nearly 300 km/hr. This will give you some idea of the strength of eagles (For the record, falcons reach even greater speeds, see the cartoon that CyberDodo dedicated to them).

Exceptional gliders, they are able to use ascending currents to fly above their hunting territory for several hours without tiring. However, the minute they spot a prey, just an instant is necessary for them to fold up their wings and switch to attack mode. Downwards they hurtle, leaving the animal little chance of getting away – indeed, these are very efficient predators.

It is quite interesting to note that eagles are able to lift prey that practically equal their weight !

Once one has had the chance to be in a region frequented by eagles, it will be easy to identify them by their fantastic wings which appear to taper into spread fingers.

Eagles are present on every continent on earth except for Antarctica.

In love, the eagle is a loyal partner, as couples mate for life ; what’s more, in order to seduce their partner, the eagle will perform veritable aerial ballets which would render the most capable pilot jealous.

The eagle will construct a very big nest (actually several) in which to raise their young (depending on the particular species). After a few months, they will force their young to leave the nest and lead their own life – a non-negligible percentage thereof will not survive.

The life expectancy of an eagle varies greatly from one species to another, from fifteen years for a Bonelli’s Eagle to more than forty years for a Royal Eagle.

Several species of eagle have by now disappeared as a result of intensive hunting, in particular by farmers who accuse them of having killed their animals. At present, their survival is threatened by pollution, deforestation, rarefaction and the destruction of eagles’ hunting territory.

Despite their penetrating vision (they see perfectly at a distance of over 500 metres), their exceptional qualities as predators, and being situated practically at the top of the food chain, they have proven unable to withstand the incredible upheavals they are subjected to by man.

The long-term preservation of the eagle will not be possible if the world’s ultimate predator – man – does not learn to respect Nature ! 

To see the cartoon on eagles, click here

To see the quiz, click here

To see the games, click here

© CyberDodo Productions Ltd.