Have you ever wondered how many types of eagles exist around the world?
There are 68 types of eagles flying around the world. Yes, 68! These powerful birds are divided into four main families, each with unique and incredible traits. What’s interesting is how different each species can be and how they share certain qualities if they belong to the same family.
For example, did you know the Philippine Eagle is considered one of the largest and most powerful eagles, with a wingspan that can stretch up to 7 feet?
These fascinating creatures continue to intrigue me, from their sharp eyesight, capable of spotting prey from miles away, to their impressive wingspans, which can reach up to 8 feet for some species!
Let me share everything I gathered from years of eagle obsession.
1. Snake Eagles
Let’s start by exploring these mid-sized raptors mainly found in Africa. I’ve been awestruck more than once by their impressive hunting skills. They use their long legs and sharp claws to catch reptiles. That’s where they get their nickname from—their slippery prey.
While perched high up on a tree branch, Snake eagles can spot a snake slithering through the grass. What follows always amazes me. With lightning speed, the eagle would swoop down and snatch their prey using strong talons.
Snake eagles are an important part of their ecosystem because they keep the snake population under control. Without them, the slithering predators would cause an imbalance in the food chain!
2. Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus Cinereus)
Mostly found in savannas and open woodlands, this expert hunter is one of my favorite eagles to watch. It’s a fairly large species, about 30-ish inches long. As with other eagles, the wingspan is where it shows its impressive size—up to 6 feet 7 inches!
If you’re lucky to spot a Brown Snake Eagle flying above, you’d see pale underparts and a relatively short tail. But that’s now how they typically hunt. Usually, I spot them perched on an elevated high branch for a better view. They typically feed on snakes and other reptiles; hence the name.
Using their strong talons and sharp beak, they are experts at capturing and subduing their slippery prey.
3. Black-Chested Snake Eagle (Circaetus Pectoralis)
The Black-Chested Snake Eagle is a captivating sight, mostly found in savannas and sub-Saharan Africa’s open woodlands. I was always impressed by the contrasting plumage of this expert hunter. Its black chest band stands out against its pale underparts, making it an easy bird to spot.
With a wingspan of up to 5 feet 7 inches, it’s a formidable predator, specializing in hunting snakes and other reptiles. It also uses the same hunting style of scanning the grounds from high branches. Of course, it also has keen eyesight and sharp talons that help it catch snakes before they slither away from its grasp.
4. Short-Toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus Gallicus)
The Short-Toed Snake Eagle is a mesmerizing bird of prey found in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings, with dark brown plumage and pale underparts.
This eagle is about 22-26 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. I’ve always thought that’s a wide wingspan for such a small body. The Short-toed Snake Eagle excels in hunting snakes and reptiles, again using its claws and beak to capture and control its prey.
Whether perched on lofty branches or gliding above an expansive landscape, I think that this eagle embodies grace and effectiveness in its natural habitat.
5. Western Banded Snake Eagle
It’s a mid-sized eagle, about 25-29 inches long. Once, I had the pleasure of handling one and was surprised that it was not that heavy—just about 4 pounds.
The Western Banded Snake Eagle is a masterful hunter specializing in capturing snakes and other reptiles with its sharp talons and powerful beak. It exhibits graceful movements when in flight, showcasing its agility and predatory skills.
6. Fasciated Snake Eagle
This is a fascinating bird of prey with a unique feather pattern. It’s easily recognizable as the stripes run across the eagle’s body. It also has a fairly large wingspan reaching up to 5.9 feet, with a mid-sized body of around 26 inches and 4 pounds.
It is a skilled hunter, preying on snakes and small mammals with its sharp talons and keen eyesight. The Fasciated Snake Eagle often perches on tree branches, scanning the ground below for potential prey. In my view, this eagle is a true marvel of nature, blending camouflage and hunting prowess to thrive in its environment.
7. Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis Cheela)
The Crested Serpent Eagle is a majestic bird with a wingspan ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 meters (3.9 to 4.9 feet). It measures about 55-75 centimeters (22-30 inches) in length and weighs approximately 1 to 2 kilograms (2.2 to 4.4 pounds).
Named for the distinctive crest on its head, this eagle is a skilled hunter of snakes and lizards, using its sharp talons and powerful beak to capture prey. It is often seen soaring above forests, scanning for movement below. In my opinion, the Crested Serpent Eagle is a symbol of grace and power, showcasing nature’s intricate design for survival in diverse ecosystems.
8. Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis Holospilus)
This is a medium-sized eagle native to the Philippines, measuring about 18-22 inches in length with a wingspan of 43 to 51 inches.
It inhabits forests and wooded areas, preying on snakes, lizards, and small mammals. Perched on branches, it scans for prey using its sharp talons and beak.
This eagle’s distinctive dark brown plumage with white markings and its unique call make it a captivating species. In my opinion, the Philippine Serpent Eagle exemplifies the beauty and biodiversity of the Philippine forests, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving its habitat.
9. Madagascar Serpent Eagle (Eutriorchis Astur)
The Madagascar Serpent Eagle is a medium-sized eagle native to Madagascar, measuring about 20-24 inches in length with a wingspan of 47 to 55 inches.
It thrives in the lush rainforests of Madagascar, hunting snakes, chameleons, and small mammals with its sharp talons and beak. I find it fascinating to watch this eagle perched high in trees, scanning for prey and displaying its graceful flight while navigating dense vegetation.
Its role as a predator in Madagascar’s unique ecosystem highlights the importance of conserving these forests. Watching the Madagascar Serpent Eagle is a true delight, showcasing nature’s wonders.
10. Fish Eagle
Known for their impressive fishing skills, these small eagles prefer to feed mainly on fish. Many experts debate on whether they are different from sea eagles because their size is drastically smaller. However, their plumage is very similar—gray heads that slowly fade into dull brown feathers on their bodies and wings. Their bellies are white, like the sea eagles.
Besides their smaller size, I can tell these eagles apart from sea eagles by the color of their tails. Fish eagles are native to Southeastern Asia, and I’ve often spotted them in the Indian subcontinent during my travels. Let’s take a better look at each one:
11. African Fish Eagle
I find its appearance striking—a white head and tail feathers contrasting with dark brown plumage on the body. Yes, that’s similar to the plumage of the iconic Bald Eagle of America.
This eagle thrives near freshwater habitats, where it hunts primarily fish using its sharp talons and powerful beak. Its impressive diving skills and distinctive “laughing” call make it a captivating sight near lakes and rivers.
In my opinion, watching the African Fish Eagle dive gracefully into the water to catch fish is a mesmerizing experience, highlighting the beauty and resilience of nature’s predators in their aquatic habitats.
12. Grey-Headed Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga Ichthyaetus)
This is yet another stunning bird of prey, with distinctive gray head and neck feathers that stand out against the white underparts and dark wings. The Grey-Headed Fish Eagle is native to Southeast Asia.
It’s a smaller eagle, measuring about 24-28 inches in length with a wingspan of 63-71 inches. Yet, I think it is an adept fish hunter. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this eagle use its sharp talons and hooked beaks to catch prey from rivers and lakes. It swoops down and snatches fish right out of the water, with incredible precision.
13. Sea Eagles
These are fascinating birds that typically live by the sea (or lakes). They are closely related to the “fish eagles” I mentioned earlier. Their sharp eyes help spot fish swimming below them as they soar high. They also eat waterfowl, hunting them in much the same way that they fish.
I always found it thrilling to watch a sea eagle swoop down at top speed when it’s fishing. With a swift and agile movement, they use their strong claws to grab it from the water.
Sea eagles are found all over the world, except for South America. Although this group includes the infamous Bald Eagle, I’ve chosen to focus on lesser-known types worth studying.
14. Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Pelagicus)
According to National Geographic, there are only 5000 Steller’s Sea Eagles left worldwide. It is an impressive raptor native to coastal regions of northeastern Asia. This eagle is known for its striking appearance, featuring a white head and tail contrasting with dark brown plumage on the body.
This eagle mainly thrives in coastal areas, where it feeds primarily on fish and seabirds using its powerful talons and beak for hunting. It boasts a massive size, with a length of approximately 35-40 inches and a wingspan ranging from 78 to 96 inches. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the pleasure of spotting one of these in real life.
15. White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Albicilla)
This native Eurasian eagle is known for its impressive size and string appearance. It measures about 28-37 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 78 to 96 inches, making it one of the largest eagle species in the world.
As the name suggests, it has a distinctive white tail. Its head is also white, contrasting with its dark brown plumage on the body.
The White-Tailed Sea Eagle thrives in coastal areas and inland water bodies, where it hunts fish and small mammals using its powerful talons and sharp beak. I can confidently tell you that seeing this eagle soar gracefully above the water and dive for prey is a captivating experience.
16. White-Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucogaster)
This is a magnificent bird of prey native to the coastal regions of Australia and Southeast Asia. It is known for its impressive size, with a length of approximately 28-35 inches and a wingspan ranging from 71 to 86 inches.
This eagle features a striking white head and belly, contrasting with dark brown plumage on the body and wings. It thrives near coastal areas and large water bodies, preying on fish, sea snakes, and other marine creatures using its powerful talons and sharp beak.
The White-Bellied Sea Eagle’s aerial agility and hunting prowess make it a formidable predator in its marine environment, showcasing this remarkable species’ adaptability and survival skills.
17. Booted Eagle
Booted Eagles are a fascinating group of eagles known for their distinctive feathering on their legs and feet, resembling boots or leggings. They are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Their keen eyesight and agility make them efficient hunters in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains. Unlike sea eagles that primarily hunt near water bodies, Booted Eagles are versatile predators that can adapt to different environments. They use their sharp talons to capture prey while in flight or perched on elevated vantage points.
Booted Eagles are found in different parts of the world and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
18. Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
This majestic bird of prey is found across the Northern Hemisphere. It’s well known for its impressive size and agility. Measuring about 26-40 inches in length with a wingspan of 6-7.5 feet; that’s not surprising. It has dark brown plumage with golden-brown feathers on the back of its head and neck, giving it a regal appearance.
This eagle inhabits open landscapes like mountains, forests, and grasslands, where it hunts small mammals, birds, and sometimes even larger prey like deer. It has keen eyesight and power claws which come in handy when hunting.
19. African Hawk Eagle (Aquila Spilogaster)
The African Hawk Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has a length of about 20-26 inches and a wingspan of 50-60 inches.
This eagle is easily identifiable due to its striking appearance— dark brown feathers adorned by distinct white markings on its wings and tail.
It thrives in various habitats, such as woodlands and savannas, where it preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The African Hawk Eagle is renowned for its agility and swift flight, often observed soaring gracefully above its territory.
20. Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Aquila Audax)
This is a magnificent bird of prey native to Australia, characterized by its impressive size and distinctive wedge-shaped tail. With a wingspan spanning 6-9 feet and a length of 30-40 inches, it is one of the largest eagles globally. Sporting dark brown plumage, a formidable beak, and sharp talons, this eagle is adept at hunting various prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Revered as a symbol of strength and resilience in Australia’s wilderness, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle embodies the majestic spirit of the country’s diverse ecosystems, showcasing the harmonious balance of nature’s predators and prey.
21. Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila Heliaca)
This bird of prey is native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. It stands out with a wingspan of about 6-7 feet and a length of 30-34 inches, showcasing its impressive size among eagles.
The Eastern Imperial Eagle features a distinctive golden-brown plumage and a powerful beak for hunting. It preys on a variety of animals, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, displaying its adaptability as a predator.
One unique fact about the Eastern Imperial Eagle is its ability to cover long distances during migration, reflecting its resilience and survival instincts. Personally, witnessing the Eastern Imperial Eagle in flight is an awe-inspiring experience, highlighting nature’s magnificent creations.
22. Tawny Eagle (Aquila Rapax)
This is a formidable bird of prey native to Africa, known for its striking appearance and hunting prowess. With a wingspan of around 6-7 feet and a length of 24-28 inches, it commands attention in the skies.
This eagle’s plumage varies from light brown to dark chestnut, providing excellent camouflage in its habitat. One impressive feat of the Tawny Eagle is its ability to spot small prey from great heights, demonstrating its keen eyesight and hunting skills. Personally, witnessing the Tawny Eagle glide effortlessly and dive for prey is a thrilling experience.
23. Harpy Eagle
The Harpy Eagle is a powerful bird of prey found in the Americas, known for its immense size and strength. It has a wingspan of up to 7 feet and can weigh between 6 to 9 kilograms. One unique fact about the Harpy Eagle is its distinctive crest of feathers on its head, giving it a regal appearance.
Additionally, it is known for its incredibly strong talons, which can exert pressure equal to that of a grizzly bear’s bite. These features make the Harpy Eagle a formidable hunter in its forest habitat, capable of capturing large prey such as monkeys and sloths.
24. African Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus Coronatus)
This raptor is typically found in sub-Saharan Africa. It boasts a wingspan of up to 6 feet and is known for its powerful talons, which can exert a crushing force of over 750 pounds per square inch.
One unique fact about the African Crowned Eagle is its distinctive crest of feathers on its head, resembling a crown, which gives it its name. Additionally, it is an expert hunter of monkeys and small antelope, using its agility and strength to capture prey in dense forest environments.
25. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle
I’ve always been fascinated by this striking bird of prey. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s about 3-4 feet long with a wingspan of 20-26 inches.
One notable feature is its powerful talons, adapted for capturing small mammals and birds. Additionally, it has excellent agility and maneuverability, allowing it to easily navigate dense forest canopies.
I have always loved its distinctive plumage, with dark brown upperparts and a white belly with black streaks. This eagle also has keen eyesight, enabling it to spot prey from great distances while perched high in trees.
26. Martial Eagle (Polemaetus Bellicosus)
This raptor is a formidable eagle native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its impressive size and strength. It has a wingspan of around 6-8 feet and can weigh up to 6-14 kilograms.
One unique feature of the Martial Eagle is its powerful talons, which can exert pressure equal to that of a Rottweiler’s bite. Additionally, it has keen eyesight, allowing it to spot prey from great distances while soaring high in the sky. This eagle is an expert hunter of small mammals and birds, using its agility and hunting skills to capture prey efficiently.
27. Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus Tyrannus)
The Black Hawk-Eagle is an impressive bird of prey native to Central and South America. With a wingspan of about 3-4 feet and a length of 20-24 inches, it stands out for its dark plumage adorned with distinct white markings on the wings and tail.
This eagle is equipped with sharp talons specialized for capturing small mammals and birds. Renowned for its agility and swift flight, it often glides effortlessly above the forest canopy. The Black Hawk Eagle plays a crucial role as a top predator in its habitat, contributing to the balance and diversity of the ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
Eagles are a captivating group of birds, each with unique characteristics that make them awe-inspiring to observe.
Observing these birds in their natural habitats is a privilege that highlights the beauty and complexity of the natural world, urging us to appreciate and conserve these magnificent creatures for future generations to cherish.
