Eagle Clip Art

Eagles are large birds of prey that inhabit various ecosystems around the world. Adaptable hunters with immense power and regal bearing, eagles capture the human imagination unlike any other avian species. Over 60 eagle species exist, with wingspans averaging 6-7 feet wide. Their sharp vision, deadly talons and incredible speed make them supreme aerial predators.

Physical Characteristics

The anatomy of different eagle species allows them to expertly spot, pursue and snatch prey. A heavy wingspan powers these hefty birds weighing 10-14 pounds up to 10,000 feet in the air.

Size and Wingspan

The massive harpy eagle and Steller’s sea eagle boast the longest wingspans at 7 feet. They wield such force their talons generate punching power of almost 500 psi, ripping right through bones and skin. The Philippine eagle also has a 7-foot wingspan but is lighter than massive harpies. Bald and golden eagles maintain average 6-7 foot spans and the same deadly talon strength.

Vision

An eagle eye lens is two times stronger than a human’s, with two times more light receptors. High density retinal receptors sharply magnify movement spotted from altitudes of 3,000 feet. Bottlenecks of nerves bundle in the retina to speedily process visual hunting data. Their field of view is wider than binocular vision.

Talons and Beaks

Serrated talons with needle sharp points severely injure prey snared at high velocity. The hind talon is always the largest. Curved beaks then efficiently shred flesh. Over a million microscopic pits in the beaks help feel vibrations.

Eagle Behavior and Hunting

Patiently scanning for prey nestled in trees or on the ground, eagles attack with calculated coordination once targets are sighted. Birds plunge downward at 150-200 mph, impacting with enough force to stun even large mammals before employing vicious talons.

Eagles drag fish out of water or knock other birds out of the sky in a spectacle of adaptability. Though they prefer small mammals like rabbits or hares, eagles feed on animals 30 times their weight like deer and huge fish when needed. With no natural aerial predators, they leisurely rule the skies.

Habitats and Migration

Eagles populate mountains, deserts, woodland forests, rivers, lakes and coastal maritime habitats on every continent except Antarctica. Different species migrate specific patterns annually to nest and hunt. America’s bald eagle migrates Canada to Mexico. African crowned eagles stay within the same area year round. Steller’s sea eagles breed in Siberia or Alaska then migrate across eastern Asia seasonally.

Eagle Reproduction

Eagles take several years to reach breeding maturity and reproductive rates are low. They mate for life in death-do-us-part loyalty. Massive nests called aeries are intricately constructed from gathered sticks high up on cliffs or tall trees. Aeries mark eagle territories warning other birds away.

Mating and raising chicks is a demanding process. After incubating eggs 35 days, both eagle parents share brooding duties. Eaglets don’t fledge for 10-12 weeks and rely on parents for survival another 1-3 months. Even then, offspring stay close learning to hunt until reaching full independence.

Types of Eagles

With over 60 unique raptors labeled “eagles,” three species claim most widespread fame. Identifiable by distinctive markings, they represent national pride for many countries.

Bald Eagle

The unmistakable white-feathered head contrasts against dark plumage on America’s national emblem. Almost disappeared by hunting and DDT pesticides in the 1960s, bald eagles made an inspiring recovery. Over 300,000 now inhabit North America spotted by patriotic birdwatchers.

Golden Eagle

Also boldly patriotic, the golden eagle appears on Mexico’s flag and national seal clutching a serpent in its talons. Less numerous than bald eagles with only 60,000 remaining globally, conservation protects golden eagles too.

Harpy Eagle

The harpy eagle adorns Panama’s coat of arms. Weighing 20 pounds with steely grey feathers, this apex avian predator uses rainforest canopy camouflage to hunt sloths, monkeys and opossums with ease. Its face appears black from heavy brow ridge feathers.

Eagle in Culture and Folklore

Representing authority, eagles inspired warriors and rulers since ancient civilizations on images carved into stone walls. They symbolized Zeus and Jupiter’s power over weather and skies. Scriptures likewise use eagle themes to signify renewed strength. Native American tribes incorporated eagle iconography into rituals.

Today’s prevailing view of eagles as freedom icons originates from seeing them effortlessly soar through open blue skies by their own will.

Threats Facing Eagles

From electrocution on power lines to consuming lead ammo remnants found in prey, snares and pesticides threaten global eagle populations. Deforestation and urbanization destroys habitats and nesting grounds essential for survival. Eagle-focused conservation helps mitigate dangers by protecting land and breeding captives for release.

Eagle Conservation

In 1940 the U.S. passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act when only 400 mating pairs remained nationwide. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 federally protected bald eagles forbidding hunting, selling parts or disturbing nests. From the brink of extinction, bald eagle removal from the ESA in 2007 marked a conservation success.

Legal protections similarly defend golden and harpy eagles. Bolstering populations also comes from captive breeding programs then gradually reintroducing eaglets into safe habitats. Satellite tracking monitors migration patterns and dangers.

Eagle Symbolism in Art

Eagle clipart encapsulates attributes like leadership, freedom and vision people wish to emulate. Abstract eagle designs simplify feathers, wings and beaks into bold shapes and logos. Flags and seals deputize the eagle’s commanding essence across many nations. Coins featured eagles as far back as ancient Greece linking economic prosperity with the formidable raptor.

From stone carvings to modern clipart, eagles épouse power unrivaled in nature. Their return from the edge of oblivion parallels with human ambitions. Protecting eagles honors the history they represent to forge ahead.

In this page clipartix present 62 eagle clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Eagle Clip Art that you want to use for works or personal uses.