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* '''Ancient Rome'''. The [[ancient Rome|Romans]] used it on the [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of their armies]]. |
* '''Ancient Rome'''. The [[ancient Rome|Romans]] used it on the [[Aquila (Roman)|standards of their armies]]. |
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* '''Modern Europe'''. The eagle is also part of the [[Coat of Arms of Romania|coat of arms of Romania]] and the coat of arms and [[flag of Moldova]]. It is the emblem of『Shqipëria』or ''Land of the Eagles'', which is known in English as [[Albania]] (see [[The Tale of the Eagle]] for the legendary origin of the name). |
* '''Modern Europe'''. The eagle is also part of the [[Coat of Arms of Romania|coat of arms of Romania]] and the coat of arms and [[flag of Moldova]]. It is the emblem of『Shqipëria』or ''Land of the Eagles'', which is known in English as [[Albania]] (see [[The Tale of the Eagle]] for the legendary origin of the name). |
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* '''Mexico'''. The bird on the [[Mexican coat of arms]] and flag is |
* '''Mexico'''. The bird on the [[Mexican coat of arms]] and flag is popularly called an eagle in English, though it is in fact a [[Crested Caracara]], a member of the [[Falconidae|falcon]] family. |
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* '''The Philippines'''. The endangered [[Philippine Eagle]] is the national bird of the [[Philippines]]. |
* '''The Philippines'''. The endangered [[Philippine Eagle]] is the national bird of the [[Philippines]]. |
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* '''USA'''. The [[United States]] has adopted the North American [[Bald Eagle]] as its national emblem. Although the Golden Eagle is found in North America, U.S. references to an unspecified "eagle" are often to the Bald Eagle. |
* '''USA'''. The [[United States]] has adopted the North American [[Bald Eagle]] as its national emblem. Although the Golden Eagle is found in North America, U.S. references to an unspecified "eagle" are often to the Bald Eagle. |
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Several, see below.
*see Accipitriformes for family list
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Eagles are large birds of prey, which are found mainly in the Old World, with only two species (Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle) in North America, a few in South America and two, (White-bellied Sea Eagle and Wedge-tailed Eagle), in Australia. They are members of the bird order Falconiformes, family Accipitridae and belong to several different genera, not necessarily closely related to each other.
In Britain before 1678, Eagle referred specifically to the Golden Eagle, the other native species, the White-tailed Eagle, being known as the Erne. The modern name for Aquila chrysaetos was introduced by the naturalist John Ray.
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. This keen eyesight is primarily contributed by their extremely large pupils which cause minimal diffraction (spreading) of the incoming light.
For many years there has been some scientistic debate as to whether the Accipitriformes are a separate order, or belong to the Falconiformes.
Major new research into eagle taxonomy suggests that the important genera Aquila and Hieraaetus are not composed of nearest relatives, and it is likely that a reclassification of these genera will soon take place, with some species being moved to LophaetusorIctinaetus.
Eagles appear prominently in myth and literature. In the Old World, such references are commonly to the Golden Eagle (or possibly closely related species found in warm climates).
The eagle has been used by many nations as a national symbol, depicting power, beauty and independence.
