Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

Eagles are majestic birds of prey that are renowned for their strength, agility, and keen eyesight. They are found all over the world, from the Americas to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Eagles have played an important role in human culture and mythology, and are often seen as symbols of power, freedom, and courage.

In this outline, we will be exploring the top 10 largest eagles in the world. These eagles are ranked based on their body length, which is a good indicator of their overall size and physical presence. We will be looking at each of these eagles in detail, including their physical characteristics, habitat, distribution, threats, and conservation efforts. By the end of this outline, you will have a deeper understanding of these magnificent birds and the challenges they face in the wild.

Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

Main Point Short Description
Philippine eagle Largest eagle in the world; can weigh up to 8 kg
Harpy eagle One of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world; weighs up to 9 kg
Steller’s sea eagle One of the largest eagles in the world; weighs up to 9 kg
White-tailed eagle Largest eagle in Europe; can weigh up to 7 kg
Martial eagle One of the largest eagles in Africa; can weigh up to 6 kg
Wedge-tailed eagle Largest bird of prey in Australia; can weigh up to 5 kg
Golden eagle One of the largest eagles in North America; can weigh up to 6 kg
Verreaux’s eagle One of the largest eagles in Africa; can weigh up to 5 kg
Crowned eagle One of the most powerful eagles in Africa; can weigh up to 5 kg
African fish eagle Large eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa; can weigh up to 3 kg

Table of Contents

Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

Wedge-tailed eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Wedge-tailed eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 9 feet (274 cm). They have dark brown feathers and a distinctive wedge-shaped tail.

These eagles are found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea, in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and desert regions. They feed on a range of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and require large territories for hunting and nesting.


The Wedge-tailed eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to land clearing and development, as well as human disturbance and persecution. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, promoting sustainable land use practices, and educating communities about the importance of conserving these eagles. The Wedge-tailed eagle is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)

Martial eagle- Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Martial eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 8.5 feet (259 cm). They have a dark brown body with a white belly and a distinctive crest on their head.

These eagles are found in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. They feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and require large areas of open savannah for hunting and nesting.


The Martial eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to development and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting and persecution by humans. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, preventing illegal hunting and trade, and educating communities about the importance of conserving these eagles. The Martial eagle is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

Steller's sea eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

Steller’s sea eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 8 feet (245 cm). They have distinctive black and white feathers, with a bright yellow beak and talons.

These eagles are found primarily in coastal areas of Russia and northern Japan, where they feed on fish and other marine animals. They require large, undisturbed habitats near water for breeding and hunting.


Steller’s sea eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to development and pollution, as well as hunting and poaching. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, preventing illegal hunting and trade, and establishing captive breeding programs. The Steller’s sea eagle is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure their survival in the wild.

White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)


White-tailed eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The White-tailed eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.5 feet (107 cm) and a wingspan of up to 8 feet (244 cm). They have a distinctive white tail and head, with dark feathers on their wings and body.

These eagles are found in coastal and wetland habitats throughout Europe and northern Asia. They feed on fish, birds, and other prey, and require large, undisturbed areas for breeding and hunting.


The White-tailed eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to development and pollution, as well as hunting and poaching. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, preventing illegal hunting and trade, and establishing captive breeding programs. The White-tailed eagle is listed as the Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)


Golden eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Golden eagle is one of the largest and most widespread eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (229 cm). They have dark brown feathers with a golden sheen on their head and neck.

These eagles are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They inhabit a range of habitats, including mountains, forests, and grasslands, and feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.


The Golden eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to development, as well as poisoning and hunting, both intentionally and unintentionally. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, preventing illegal hunting and trade, and establishing captive breeding programs. The Golden eagle is listed as the Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Verreaux’s eagle (Aquila verreauxii)


Verreaux

Verreaux’s eagle, also known as the black eagle, is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in Africa, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (229 cm). They have black feathers with a distinctive white V-shaped marking on their back.

These eagles are found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a range of habitats, including mountains, forests, and savannas. They feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.


Verreaux’s eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to land use changes and deforestation, as well as human disturbance and persecution. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, monitoring populations, and educating local communities about the importance of conservation. The Verreaux’s eagle is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)


Philippine eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Philippine eagle is the largest and one of the strongest eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.35 feet (102 cm) and a wingspan of up to 7 feet (213 cm). They have a distinctive appearance, with dark brown feathers, a shaggy crest, and bright blue eyes.

These eagles are found exclusively in the Philippines, where they inhabit tropical forests and mountains. They are considered to be one of the rarest birds in the world, with only around 400 pairs estimated to be remaining in the wild.


The Philippine eagle faces a number of threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting and poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts have been focused on protecting their habitat, establishing breeding programs, and educating local communities about the importance of conservation. The Philippine eagle is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and continued efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)


The majestic eagle harpy bird in Brazil bHarpy eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Harpy eagle is considered to be one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, with a body length of up to 3.5 feet (107 cm) and a wingspan of up to 7 feet (213 cm). They have a distinctive appearance, with dark feathers, a crested head, and strong, hooked beaks.

These eagles are found in tropical forests throughout Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. They require large areas of intact forest for hunting and nesting, and are highly dependent on the availability of large prey such as monkeys and sloths.


The Harpy eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation, as well as hunting and poaching. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitat and preventing illegal hunting and trade, as well as establishing captive breeding programs. The Harpy eagle is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.

African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)


African

Description: The African fish eagle is a large, striking bird with a dark brown body and white head and tail. It has a hooked yellow beak, powerful talons, and a wingspan of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Its distinctive call is often associated with the sounds of the African savanna.

Habitat and distribution: The African fish eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania in the west to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east. It typically lives near freshwater bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands, where it can catch fish and other prey.


Threats and conservation efforts: The African fish eagle is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but it is still vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss and pollution. In some areas, the eagle is also hunted for its feathers or for sport. Conservation efforts include the protection of wetland habitats and efforts to reduce pollution and regulate hunting.

Crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)


Crowned eagle - Top 10 Largest Eagles In The World

The Crowned eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in Africa, with a body length of up to 3.3 feet (100 cm) and a wingspan of up to 6.6 feet (200 cm). They have dark feathers with a distinctive crest of feathers on their head, giving them their name.

These eagles are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting forests and wooded areas. They feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.


The Crowned eagle is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and human disturbance, as well as hunting and persecution. Conservation efforts have focused on protecting their habitats, monitoring populations, and educating local communities about the importance of conservation. The Crowned eagle is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and continued conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival in the wild.


Faq: Largest Eagles In The World

Which is bigger harpy or Philippine eagle?

The harpy eagle and the Philippine eagle are both considered to be among the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, but the Philippine eagle is slightly larger in terms of length and wingspan.

What is the biggest eagle in the United States?

The biggest eagle in the United States is the Steller’s sea eagle, which can be found in Alaska.

Is the golden eagle the largest eagle in the world?

The golden eagle is not the largest eagle in the world, but it is one of the largest and most widespread, with a wingspan of up to 7.7 feet (235 cm).

Who is the king of eagle in the world?

There is no one “king of eagles” as different species of eagles have different characteristics and strengths that make them successful in their respective habitats. However, some of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world include the harpy eagle, the Philippine eagle, and the Steller’s sea eagle.

Conclusion: Largest Eagles In The World

In conclusion, the top 10 largest eagles in the world are some of the most magnificent birds of prey that can be found on the planet. From the Philippine eagle, the largest eagle in the world, to the African fish eagle, each species has unique physical characteristics and occupies specific habitats.

However, despite their impressive size and strength, many of these eagles are facing threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. It is important that we take action to conserve these magnificent birds and protect their habitats to ensure their survival.

By working to conserve these eagles, we can help to maintain the ecological balance of our planet, as they play a critical role in their ecosystems. We must also recognize their cultural and symbolic significance, as eagles have been revered by many cultures throughout history.

In summary, we must do our part to ensure the survival of these magnificent birds, not only for their sake but for the sake of our planet as a whole.

References

  1. Philippine Eagle Foundation. (2021). About the Philippine Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/about-the-philippine-eagle/
  2. National Geographic. (n.d.). Harpy Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/h/harpy-eagle/
  3. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2021). Steller’s Sea-Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Stellers_Sea-Eagle/overview
  4. BirdLife International. (2021). White-tailed Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/species-day-white-tailed-eagle
  5. The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Martial Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/martial-eagle
  6. Birds in Backyards. (2021). Wedge-tailed Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Aquila-audax
  7. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2021). Golden Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/overview
  8. BirdLife International. (2021). Verreaux’s Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.birdlife.org/worldwide/news/species-day-verreauxs-eagle
  9. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2021). Crowned Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Crowned_Eagle/overview
  10. The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). African Fish Eagle. Retrieved from https://www.peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/african-fish-eagle
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