Eagles

Fun Facts About Eagles

• Eagle talons possess immense gripping power. Studies indicate they can clamp down with around 400–700 PSI. This is 10 times stronger than a human grip or a lion's bite. Eagle talons can easily crush bones.
• The largest recorded bald eagle nest was discovered in Florida in 1963. It was 9.5 feet wide, 20 feet deep, and weighed 4,000–6,000 pounds. Typical nests are smaller, but still impressive, averaging 4–5 feet wide and 2–4 feet deep.
• Eagles can see 4–8 times better than humans. They can spot a 2-millimeter insect from 60 feet away, or a rabbit from over 2 miles away.
• Many species of eagles, like golden eagles and bald eagles, form long-term monogamous bonds, often mating for life.
• Eagles are renowned for their ability to fly extremely high. Tracking data shows steppe eagles can soar at altitudes of around 20,000 feet. They utilize thermals to traverse mountainous terrain.
• The bald eagle was officially adopted as the national bird of the United States in 1782. It was chosen for its long life, strength, and independence.
• Eagles are among 200 bird species which engage in anting. This behavior involves lying on an ant mount and letting ants swarm over their body. The formic acid ants release acts as a natural insecticide, fungicide and bactericide against parasites and feather mites.
• Eagles have been observed dropping land tortoises from great heights onto rocky outcrops to crack them open. This behavior allows eagles to access the meat that would otherwise be inaccessible inside the armored shell.