Throughout history, humans have admired eagles for their fierce beauty and strength, often using them to symbolize power and grace and independence. Eagles have powerful talons for tearing flesh and their beaks are nearly as long as their heads. Too large to chase prey through the air effectively, eagles typically hunt by dropping from the sky in surprise attacks. Solitary creatures, eagles mate for life and will use the same nest--some of which are over 10 feet across--each year.
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Range: Worldwide.
Characteristics: Large, hooked beak, strong legs and powerful talons. They resemble vultures but have fully feathered heads and hunt live prey.