How High Can an Eagle Fly?

USFWS Mountain-Prairie/CC-BY-2.0

Eagles fly 10,000 to 15,000 feet high at about 65 mph. They can glide for hours without rest on warm updrafts of air. With their acute vision, they are able to spot prey a mile down below. Eagles swoop down at amazing speeds of 200 mph and lift up the prey with their strong talons.

There are 59 species of eagles, and they are all birds of prey. The Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagle, the Philippine Eagle and the Harpy Eagle are some well-known species of eagles.

Eagles are known for power and speed. They perform stunning acrobatics in the air when chasing smaller birds. They are fearless hunters and rarely back away from a fight. Eagles have a wingspan of about 7 feet and stand 3 feet tall. Eagles have a curved, sharp beak with which they tear apart flesh. Females are slightly larger than males.

Eagles begin to breed after the age of 5. They mate with the same partner for life. Most female eagles lay two to three eggs, and they use the same nest each year.

For centuries, eagles have been considered sacred by many cultures. The Bald Eagle is the national bird and a symbol of the United States of America. Eagles have also been used by men for hunting.

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