Eagle

Eagle, a term commonly associated with certain large birds of prey, belongs to the family Accipitridae. While the subfamily Aquilinae is recognized for containing the 'true eagles', the name is often applied to various other species, such as the iconic bald eagle. This nomenclature, however, does not carry any taxonomic significance.

Globally, there are approximately sixty-eight species of eagles, predominantly found in Eurasia and Africa. Outside of these regions, only fourteen species exist, with two located in North America, nine in Central and South America, and three in Australia.

These magnificent birds are not classified as a natural group; rather, the term 'eagle' encompasses any bird of prey that is sufficiently large to hunt sizable vertebrates, typically measuring around fifty centimeters or more in length. Their impressive size and hunting prowess make them a fascinating subject of study and admiration.