Largest Eagles in the World
Birds are abundant all over the world, and each species possesses unique traits that make it special. Take peacocks, for example; it is a mesmerizing experience to watch them fan out their feathers and demonstrate their dance moves. However, In this article, we’ll be discussing the world’s largest eagles based on their weight, size, and other characteristics.
Have you ever imagined yourself as a bird soaring through the open sky with the wind beneath your wings? Eagles, being one of the largest birds on earth, possess incredible attributes such as exceptional vision, lightning-fast speed, and the ability to spot prey up to 3.2 km away. Being a national symbol of freedom, strength, courage, and immortality for generations, eagles have inspired many to dream of becoming the largest eagle species in the world. While some eagle species, like the bald eagle, are under protection, punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years, they are regarded as the top predator in their food chain, with some species preying on large animals such as monkeys, goats, and sloths. To discover more about these amazing birds, join us on a journey to explore the 10 largest eagles in the world, along with fascinating facts about them.
Top 10 Largest Eagles in the World
Here is the list of the Top 10 Largest Eagles in the World with their weight and wingspan.
|
S.No |
Largest Eagles |
Weight with Wingspan |
|
1 |
Haast’s Eagle |
15 kg with 2 to 3 m wingspan |
|
2 |
Steller’s Sea Eagle |
4.9 to 6 kg (male) or 6.2 to 9.5 kg (female) with 1.9 to 2.5 m wingspan |
|
3 |
White-Tailed Eagle |
3.5 to 7 kg with 2 to 2.4 m wingspan |
|
4 |
Wedge-Tailed Eagle |
3.2 to 5.3 kg with 1.7 to 2.3 m wingspan |
|
5 |
Golden Eagle |
3.6 to 6.8 kg with 1.8 to 2.3 m wingspan |
|
6 |
Philippine Eagle |
4.5 to 8.1 kg with 1.9 to 2.2 m wingspan |
|
7 |
Harpy Eagle |
4 to 6 kg with 2m wingspan |
|
8 |
Martial Eagle |
3 to 6 kg with 1.6 to 2.8 m wingspan |
|
9 |
Bald Eagle |
6 to 9 kg with 2 m wingspan |
|
10 |
Verreaux’s Eagle |
3 to 5 kg with 1.8 to 2.3 m wingspan |
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Top 10 Biggest Eagle in the World
1. Haast’s Eagle (15 kg with 2 to 3 m wingspan)
The massive Haast’s Eagle, with a wingspan ranging from 2 to 3 meters and weighing up to 15 kg, once roamed the South Island of New Zealand. Regrettably, due to habitat destruction and depletion of prey, this largest-ever eagle breed has been extinct for 5 centuries. This eagle was known to prey on big, flightless birds like the moa, which were native to New Zealand, and their powerful legs allowed them to jump to take off from the ground despite their heavy weight.
2. Steller’s Sea Eagle (4.9 to 6 kg with 1.9 to 2.5 m wingspan)
The Steller’s Sea Eagle, found in Russia, has a wingspan ranging from 1.9 to 2.5 meters and a weight of 4.9 to 6 kg (male) or 6.2 to 9.5 kg (female). These eagles are primarily aquatic feeders, consuming fish and even other birds. With a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, they have a significant population of around 3,200 breeding pairs living in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Far Eastern Russia. Unfortunately, they are classified as “vulnerable” by the IUCN due to ongoing threats to their habitats and pollution. During winter, many Steller’s Sea Eagles migrate from their breeding grounds in Russia to Japan and occasionally Korea. Some, however, move to open water instead of migrating. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is considered one of Japan’s National Treasures.
3. White-Tailed Eagle (3.5 to 7 kg with 2 to 2.4 m)
The white-tailed eagle, a large eagle species found in Russia, Norway, and parts of Eurasia, has a wingspan that ranges from 2 to 2.4 meters and weighs between 3.5 to 7 kg. They typically reside near large bodies of open water, such as coastal saltwater areas and inland freshwater, and require sufficient food sources and old-growth trees or sea cliffs for nesting. With a population estimated at 20,000 to 50,000, this eagle can fly at an average speed of 43.5 mph (or 69 kph) and spends most of the day perched on trees or crags. They are versatile and opportunistic hunters that may scavenge or hunt their own food, including fish, smaller birds, rabbits, and hares. Often considered the cousin of the bald eagle, the national bird of the USA.
4. Wedge-Tailed Eagle (3.2 to 5.3 kg with 1.7 to 2.3 m)
The wedge-tailed eagle, found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea, is the largest predatory bird in Australia, with a wingspan of 1.7 to 2.3 meters and a weight between 3.2 to 5.3 kg. These eagles are known to soar at high altitudes for hours, reaching more than 1,800 m or 5,900 ft. While they have a reputation for attacking hang gliders and paragliders, it is believed to be a defense of their territory. In fact, there have been reports of wedge-tailed eagles attacking drones used for mining activities in Australia. During times of food scarcity, wedge-tailed eagle chicks may exhibit “sibling rivalry,” where the larger chick may consume its smaller sibling. Typically, the female eagle lays her eggs a few days apart, with the first one starting incubation when it’s laid. The remaining eggs will hatch after a day or two, resulting in the first hatchling being larger and more viable than its younger siblings. These eaglets are initially light brown in color, which darkens as they mature.
5. Golden Eagle (3.6 to 6.8 kg with 1.8 to 2.3 m wingspan)
The golden eagle is a bird of prey found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America, with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 meters and a weight of 3.6 to 6.8 kg for females and 2.7 to 4.6 kg for males. It is the national bird of Mexico, Albania, and Germany, and is also considered the largest predator bird in North America due to its speed and strength. With a flight speed of 320 km/h, the golden eagle is one of the best fliers among eagles, thanks to its broad, long wings and finger-like indentation on the wing tips.
Golden eagles are swift and agile, using their pointed talons to snatch small animals from the ground, and occasionally preying on other animals such as reptiles and insects. While historically known to have attacked full-grown deer, recent studies have shown that their impact on larger animals is minimal. Despite ranchers’ concerns about golden eagles attacking their livestock, these birds are now highly protected by law and are classified as “not vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
6. Philippine Eagle(4.5 to 8.1 kg with 1.9 to 2.2 m wingspan)
The Philippine Eagle, with a wingspan that ranges from 1.9 to 2.2 meters and a weight of 4.5 to 8.1 kg, is also the largest eagle in the world. This bird of prey is indigenous to the tropical forests of the Philippines, and is known for its tendency to consume monkeys. Most of the Philippine Eagle population is located in the island of Mindanao, although they can also be found in other mountainous regions throughout the country. The Philippine monkey-eating eagle moniker was derived from the initial assumption that these eagles feed exclusively on monkeys. However, like other raptors, they feed on a variety of prey that are readily available in their local habitat. Sadly, the Philippine eagle is critically endangered, and it is strictly prohibited to hunt or kill them by law. The penalty for doing so is severe, including imprisonment for over 10 years and hefty fines.
7. Harpy Eagle (4 to 6 kg with 2m wingspan)
The harpy eagle, which can be found throughout South America and is particularly common in Brazil, inhabits tropical jungles and is known for its large size. This species of eagle can be found in South America and has a wingspan of 2 meters. Female harpy eagles can weigh from 6 to 9 kg while male harpy eagles weigh 4 to 6 kg.These eagles require large trees and vast territories to sustain their populations, and they construct their nests in the tallest trees in the jungle using sticks, branches, plants, and animal fur. A fully constructed harpy nest can be large enough for a grown human to comfortably sleep in.
Unlike other eagle species, harpy eagles tend to hunt during the day by patiently waiting for prey to come to them while perched. Their diet includes snakes, various mammals, and other birds. The eagle’s talons are extremely powerful, exerting pressure over 50 kg and capable of crushing the bones of their prey, resulting in an instant kill.
8. Martial Eagle (3 to 6 kg with 1.6 to 2.8 m wingspan)
The martial eagle is a large bird of prey found in the savannah and thornbush areas of sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal to Somalia, and down to the Cape. This impressive eagle has a wingspan that ranges from 1.88 to 2.6 meters and a weight of 3 to 6 kg. Perched atop trees in the savannah and thornbush areas of Africa south of the Sahara, the martial eagle is a true spectacle to behold. This eagle species is also an adept predator, with a varied diet consisting of small antelopes, domestic goats, lambs, and hyrax. While hunting, martial eagles are known to be stealthy and covert, spending long periods gliding high in the sky without flapping their wings. By blending seamlessly into the skies, they can swoop down on unsuspecting prey with impressive speed, catching them off guard. As one of the largest eagles in the world, the martial eagle is a top contender in the hierarchy of birds of prey.
9. Bald Eagle (6 to 9 kg with 2 m wingspan)
The Harpy Eagle is a large bird of prey found in South America. This impressive eagle is known for its wingspan of 2 meters and can weigh between 6 to 9 kg for females and 4 to 6 kg for males. The bald eagle, despite its name, is not actually bald but rather has a white head that gives the appearance of baldness. In the United States, it is considered the national bird due to its beauty and representation of freedom. The bald eagle is also a symbol of the country’s courage and liberty.
Interestingly, during the 1980s, the bald eagle population was close to extinction. However, in 1995, the species made an impressive recovery and is no longer considered endangered. This sea eagle is native only to the United States, with its habitat spanning most of North America and extending southward to Mexico. In its natural environment, the bald eagle can live for at least two decades.
10. Verreaux’s Eagle(3 to 5 kg with 1.8 to 2.3 m wingspan)
Verreaux’s Eagle, with a wingspan ranging from 1.8 to 2.3 meters and a weight of 3 to 5 kg, is a majestic bird found in various locations across the eastern and western parts of Africa, the southern Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Verreaux’s eagle is a striking black raptor with white markings on its plumage that resemble a V. This species is widespread across Eastern and West Africa, the southern Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. Unlike some other eagle species, the Verreaux’s eagle often builds its large nest on rocky ledges instead of trees, using sticks and leaves for insulation.
The Verreaux’s eagle primarily preys on rock hyraxes, although it will also hunt a range of other animals such as hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, and even small antelopes. As a result of competition with other predators for these prey species, the Verreaux’s eagle is facing declining populations in some areas. Belonging to the group of “booted eagles,” Verreaux’s eagles have feathered legs all the way down to their feet. They are well-adapted hunters with keen eyesight and impressive hunting skills, making them a fascinating species to observe in the wild.
Which is the Largest Eagle in the World?
The Haast’s eagle, also known as the pouakai in Māori legend, was a species of eagle that used to inhabit the South Island of New Zealand. This bird was known for being the largest eagle to have ever existed, with an estimated weight of 15 kilograms, compared to the 9 kg harpy eagle. The massive size of the Haast’s eagle was due to its adaptation to hunt the flightless moa, which was the largest prey available, weighing up to 230 kg. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Māori people in 1400 led to the extinction of the Haast’s eagle, as they outcompeted it for the moa prey.
Female Haast’s eagles were significantly larger than males, with most estimates placing them in the range of 10-15 kg, while males were around 9-12 kg. A comparison with living eagles of the Australasian region suggests that the females could have weighed more than 16.5 kg. Despite its large size, the Haast’s eagle had a relatively short wingspan, estimated to be up to 2.6 meters, possibly up to 3 meters in some cases. This wingspan is similar to the larger size range of female eagles such as the wedge-tailed eagle, golden eagle, martial eagle, white-tailed eagle, and Steller’s sea eagle. Some of the largest Old World vultures, although not as massive in weight or other measurements, probably exceeded the Haast’s eagle in average wingspan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eagles are fascinating creatures that come in different sizes and shapes. They are known for their impressive wingspan and incredible hunting skills. The Haast’s Eagle, which is now extinct, was the largest eagle ever recorded, weighing up to 15 kg with a wingspan of 2 to 3 meters. The Steller’s Sea Eagle is the heaviest living eagle, with a weight of 6.2 to 9.5 kg (female) and a wingspan of 1.9 to 2.5 meters. Meanwhile, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle is the largest predatory bird in Australia, with a wingspan of 1.7 to 2.3 meters and a weight between 3.2 to 5.3 kg. Eagles such as the Golden Eagle, White-Tailed Eagle, Harpy Eagle, and Philippine Eagle are also impressive, with their unique characteristics and hunting techniques. Unfortunately, many eagle species are at risk of endangerment due to habitat loss, pollution, and other human activities, making it important to protect them for future generations to enjoy.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn