Eagles

Characteristics of eagles

Characteristics of these birds are the hooked beak and the very large wingspan of up to 1.2 meters, which makes them excellent gliders. The large wingspan also makes them very good endurance fliers and they can cover very long distances without much effort. On the other hand, it is the name for the genus of birds of prey (Falconiformes) from the family of hawk-like birds (Accipitridae) of the true eagles (Aquila). This genus includes 11 species that occur in all climate zones. Eagles, like vultures, are characterized by their excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from great heights. Eagles hunt live prey but also resort to carrion.

Eagle population

In Germany, the population has recovered over the last 40 years. In the 1970s, the populations were severely decimated by hunting and environmentally harmful toxic pesticides. However, environmental protection measures and hunting bans led to the populations recovering to a large extent. Eagles usually breed in trees or build their nests, which are called eyries in eagles as well as in vultures, in rock crevices.