Eagles and vultures fly supreme in the amazing world of bird predators. These remarkable creatures have unique characteristics that set them apart and conquer their own thrones in the world of birds.
Join us on Eagle vs. Vulture as we explore the different traits of eagles and vultures. From their hunting techniques to their ecological roles, we’ll tell you fascinating things about these stunning creatures, and discover the contrasts between eagles and vultures.
Eagles vs. Vulture: Comparison at a Glance
| Aspects | Eagles | Vultures |
| Scientific Name | Aquilla | Gyps |
| Size & Wingspan | Weight: 1.1-20 lbs Length: 18-40 inches WSP: 70-110 inches | Weight: 2.6-30 lbs Length: 22-32 inches WSP: 63-72 inches |
| Appearance | Large birds of prey with strong, hooked beaks, sharp talons, and broad wings. | Large scavengers with featherless heads, sharp beaks, and long, broad wings for soaring |
| Habitat | Found in diverse habitats worldwide, mountains, forests, deserts, and coastal areas. They build nests in tall trees or cliffs. | Found across continents, primarily in open areas like grasslands, savannahs, and deserts. They often roost in trees or on the ground. |
| Lifespan | 30-40 years. | 10-30 years. |
| Call | High-pitched whistles, screams, and shrill cries. | Hissing or grunting sounds, sometimes low growls or hisses when threatened or communicating within their social groups. |
Can Vultures Be Kept As Pets?
No, vultures are not suitable or legal to keep as pets. Vultures are wild birds that need specific habitats, specialized diets, and permits for ownership, making them illegal for domestication or captivity as pets.
Differences Between Eagle vs Vulture: 6 Key Factors
Eyesight
Eagles have exceptional visual acuity to spot prey from great distances with astonishing precision. Their eyes are specially adapted to detect even the slightest movements and subtle details in their surroundings. Eagle retinas have a high density of cone cells; they can perceive a broader spectrum of colors, enhancing their ability to swoop down upon their unsuspecting prey with remarkable speed and precision from lofty heights.
In stark contrast, vultures rely less on their visual acuity and more on their exceptional sense of smell to locate carrion. While they still have relatively good eyesight, their olfactory senses are their most important hunting tools. They pick up on the scent of decaying flesh from great distances, making them pinpoint the location of carrion.
Appearance
We’ve looked at the size and shape side of appearance; now it’s time to dig a little deeper.
Colors and Plumage
Eagles exhibit a wide range of coloration. Depending on the species, their plumage has various shades of black, brown, and white. This combination provides excellent camouflage against their natural habitats, so they blend seamlessly with the environment during hunting or nesting.
Vultures, on the other hand, generally have predominantly black or dark brown plumage. This dark coloration also aids in thermoregulation by absorbing sunlight. Some vulture species may have patches of white or gray on their underwings or around their necks, creating distinct patterns.
Distinctive Adaptations
One striking adaptation in eagles is their sharp, curved beaks designed for ripping and tearing flesh. They also possess exceptionally keen eyesight, with visual acuity that allows them to spot prey from great distances. Their powerful talons enable them to capture and hold onto their prey securely.
Vultures have specialized adaptations for scavenging. Their beaks are typically weaker and less hooked compared to eagles, as they primarily feed on carrion. Vultures’ highly developed sense of smell helps them detect decaying carcasses from significant distances. This olfactory ability helps them locate food sources quickly, even in vast and open landscapes.
Classification
Eagles and vultures belong to different taxonomic classifications in the bird world. Eagles are part of the family Accipitridae, while vultures are classified in the family Cathartidae.
Eagles are members of the genus Aquila and are further classified into various species. Some notable species include the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus Bellicosus).
Vultures belong to the genus Cathartes and include several species. The most recognized species include the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), and California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus).
Evolutionarily, both eagles and vultures have evolved from common ancestors but developed distinct adaptations based on their ecosystems. Eagles’ keen eyesight and powerful flight capabilities helped them evolve as apex predators, hunting live prey and occupying a wide range of habitats worldwide. Vultures have highly efficient scavenging abilities and evolved to fill a niche in cleaning ecosystems by feeding on carrion, reducing the risk of diseases spread by decaying carcasses.
Behavior
Behaviorally, eagles and vultures exhibit notable distinctions. Eagles swoop down from great heights or perch, waiting patiently before striking their prey. They are solitary birds, forming monogamous pairs and fiercely defending their territories. Eagles also engage in impressive courtship displays, like aerial acrobatics.
However, vultures are scavengers, relying on their sense of smell to locate carrion. They often gather in groups called “wake” and display social behaviors such as communal roosting and feeding. Vultures clean up carcasses efficiently and prevent the spread of diseases.
Flying Speed
With powerful wings and a streamlined body, different species of eagles achieve impressive speeds of up to 160-320 kilometers per hour.
Vultures are not known for their speed. While their flight is graceful and efficient, their average flying speed ranges from 24 to 30 kilometers per hour. This comparatively slower pace actually helps them to effortlessly soar for a long time, using thermal updrafts to locate carrion.
Diet
Eagles have a preference for live prey. They rely on their amazing eyesight to spot potential targets from great distances and use quick aerial maneuvers to capture their prey. Their diet is mainly small to medium mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. On the contrary, vultures are scavengers that mainly feed on carrion. They’re equipped with powerful olfactory senses and can locate carcasses and descend upon them, feasting on the decaying meat that would be toxic to other animals.
How Strong Are Vulture’s Talons?
While not as powerful as the talons of predatory birds like eagles, vultures’ talons are well-adapted for their scavenging lifestyle. Their talons are used primarily for gripping and stabilizing the carcasses they feed on, allowing them to tear into the flesh and access their food source.
Conclusion
Both eagles and vultures are remarkable birds of prey; they possess unique characteristics and play different roles in their habitats. Eagles are renowned for their amazing beauty and hunting skills.
While vultures are scavengers, they help maintain ecological balance by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. Each species has its own individual significance and contributes to the delicate balance of nature.
FAQs
Can Eagles Kill Wolves?
While it seems theoretically possible for an eagle to kill a wolf, it is highly unlikely in reality. Eagles primarily prey on smaller animals and target prey they can overpower and carry away, like rabbits, fish, or birds.
Can Eagles Pick Up Children?
While it is rare, large eagles can and have picked up children. There are reports of the African Crowned eagle, Australian wedge-tailed eagle and the New Guinea harpy eagle picking up children, with the former picking up a six-year old. In a morbid twist, there’s also reports of a baby skull found in an eagle’s nest.
What Are Eagles Afraid Of?
Eagles are wary of larger predators like bears or wolves that may threaten their nests or offspring. Eagles can also fear unfamiliar or aggressive humans, who can disrupt their habitat or potentially harm them.
Are Vultures Shy Birds?
Vultures are generally not shy birds, but turkey vultures are when they get close to the ground. Other species aren’t and often gather in groups around carrion without being easily frightened or deterred by human presence.
Which Greek God Has An Eagle?
The Greek God associated with an eagle is Zeus. The eagle is often depicted as a symbol of Zeus, representing his power and authority.
