You might be surprised to learn that there are 68 different kinds of eagles in the world, and they are all amazing in their own ways. These magnificent birds have unique features that make them stand out among other predators. In this article, you will learn more about the various eagles and what sets them apart from each other.
*The types of eagles are listed in alphabetical order by scientific name.
1. Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)
Spanish imperial eagles have a massive wingspan of up to seven feet.
The Spanish imperial eagle belongs to the genus Aquila, which is known for its large and powerful eagles. It is a wary and solitary bird that defends its territory fiercely. It prefers to hunt rabbits but will also take other prey, such as mammals and birds. Some other names for this species are the Iberian imperial eagle, the Spanish eagle, and Adalbert’s eagle.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Brownish-black from throat to belly; white marks on shoulders and wings
- Length: 28-33 inches
- Wingspan: 5.8 to 7.2 feet
- Location: Europe, Africa
- Habitat: Forests, scrublands, grasslands, savannas, wetlands, deserts
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
2. Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle (Aquila africana)
This type of eagle is the smallest member of the genus Aquila. As with most birds of prey, the females are larger than males. The species typically hunts tree squirrels and birds. As part of the Aquilinae (booted eagle) subfamily, it sports feathered legs.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Dark brown with white spots and white chest/belly
- Length: 19.7 to 24 inches
- Wingspan: 3.4 to 3.7 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forests
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
3. Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)
Wedge-tailed eagles are highly aerial and soar for hours on end.
This type of eagle is notable for its wedge-shaped tail, its lanky form, and its rank as the largest bird of prey in Australia. These massive birds prey on other birds as well as small mammals. They often soar for long periods of time at heights of up to 5,900 feet.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Black or dark brown
- Length: 32-41 inches
- Wingspan: 6 to 9.3 feet
- Location: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
4. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Golden eagles are the most widely distributed of all eagles.
This species is the most widely distributed of all eagles and is one of the most distinctive. A golden eagle’s home territory can cover a distance of up to 77 square miles. Within these territories, they build large nests on cliffs or other high locations. They hunt a variety of prey including small mammals like rabbits and other birds.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Dark brown, golden-brown nape plumage
- Length: 26-40 inches
- Wingspan: 5.5 to 7.7 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, desert
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
5. Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
Bonelli’s eagle possesses the feathered legs of the booted eagle subfamily.
This bold species is known for being a particular predator of rabbits, galliforms, and pigeons, though it readily expands its prey base when necessary. It frequently soars and circles within its home range. As a member of the booted eagle subfamily Aquilinae, it possesses feathered legs.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Dark brown (dark chocolate or umber) above; cream underside with blackish-brown streaks; pale wing margins
- Length: 22-29 inches
- Wingspan: 4.7 to 5.9 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, rocky areas
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
6. Gurney’s Eagle (Aquila gurneyi)
Gurney’s eagle flies at heights of up to 3,280 feet.
This species flies at heights of up to 3,280 feet, holding its wings level while gliding. Its diet consists of small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Unfortunately, its populations are gradually declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Black or dark brown; pale undersides
- Length: 29-34 inches
- Wingspan: 5.4 to 6.2 feet
- Location: Asia (Indonesia), Oceania (Papua New Guinea)
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
7. Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
The eastern imperial eagle is notable for its large head and bill.
Although this type of eagle is large, it is only average-sized for the sizeable Aquila genus. These eagles tend to be bolder and less shy around humans than other members of their genus. They are notable for their unusually projected necks as well as their large heads and bills.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Blackish-brown; cream or golden around crown and neck; white shoulder markings
- Length: 27-35 inches
- Wingspan: 5.8 to 7.2 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetland
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
8. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
The steppe eagle typically breeds on steppes.
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These eagles are named for their typical breeding habitat, the steppe. Wingspans for the species vary considerably with a potential difference of over three feet. Physically, it is a strong, almost bulky bird. It is occasionally mistaken for other species like the spotted eagle.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Dark brown
- Length: 24-35 inches
- Wingspan: 5.4 to 8.6 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, grassland, rocky areas, desert
- Conservation Status: Endangered
9. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
The tawny eagle possesses a striking aquiline silhouette.
This type of eagle tends to be smaller than most other species in its genus, though it is still fairly large compared to species from other genera. It is notable for its striking aquiline silhouette and scruffy appearance. Additionally, it is a frequent scavenger that enjoys feeding on carrion, roadkill, and trash.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Dark brown, greyish-brown, whitish or creamy dull rufous
- Length: 23-30 inches
- Wingspan: 5.2 to 6.2 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, scrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
10. African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster)
The African hawk-eagle is a powerful predator that hunts mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals.
This powerful, large-footed species primarily hunts small mammals and birds, though it also preys on reptiles and other animals. It builds stick nests of up to 3.3 feet across in large trees. For most of the day, it remains obscured within the cover of trees and foliage.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Black-grey above; whitish below
- Length: 22-29 inches
- Wingspan: 4.3 to 5.3 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, scrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
11. Verreaux’s Hawk-Eagle (Aquila verreauxii)
Verreaux’s hawk-eagle is the sixth-longest eagle in the world.
©Eleanor Esterhuizen/Shutterstock.com
With a body length of 30-38 inches, this species is the sixth-longest eagle in the world. Both its large size and its striking black-and-white markings set it apart from otherwise similar species.
- Genus: Aquila
- Color: Jet-black with white markings
- Length: 30-38 inches
- Wingspan: 5.9 to 7.6 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas, desert
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
12. Crowned Solitary Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus)
The crowned solitary eagle gets its name from the “crown” of grey feathers on its head.
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This species is also known as the Chaco eagle or the crowned eagle. Its name derives from the dark grey crest of feathers on its head. Its powerful, shrill call is audible from over a mile away.
- Genus: Buteogallus
- Color: Silvery-grey
- Length: 29-31 inches
- Wingspan: 5.6 to 6 feet
- Location: South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay)
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, scrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Endangered
13. Black Solitary Eagle (Buteogallus solitarius)
Relatively little is known about this type of eagle, including its preferred prey. However, it is possible that it preys on a range of animals including snakes and deer fawns. It resides in mountainous or hilly forests and is occasionally confused with lowland species. Alternate names for this species include the solitary eagle and montane solitary eagle.
- Genus: Buteogallus
- Color: Dark grey to black; white markings on tail
- Length: 25-31 inches
- Wingspan: 5 to 6.2 feet
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
14. Beaudouin’s Snake Eagle (Circaetus beaudouini)
Beaudouin’s snake eagle is a “sit and wait” predator.
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This species prefers to perch on objects like dead trees or telephone poles to wait for its prey rather than circle from above. Although scientists have not thoroughly studied it, they believe its population to be declining.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Greyish-brown above; white underparts
- Length: 24-26 inches
- Wingspan: 5 to 5.6 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
15. Western Banded Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinerascens)
The western banded snake eagle tends to be solitary and elusive.
©Dave Montreuil/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is solitary and tends to remain hidden from sight. It preys mainly on snakes, though it will also eat other small vertebrates. Although it often inhabits woodlands, it avoids overly dense forests.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Grey-brown
- Length: 24 inches
- Wingspan: 3.7 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, wetlands
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
16. Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus)
The brown snake eagle is capable of hunting large, venomous snakes.
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This species is a standard dark brown in color, though some insist it has a purple sheen in certain lights. Because it possesses a more powerful body than most snake eagles, it is capable of hunting fairly large snakes. It does not appear to shy away from targeting venomous snakes.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Dark brown
- Length: 26-31 inches
- Wingspan: 5.3 to 6.6 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, desert
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
17. Southern Banded Snake Eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus)
The southern banded snake eagle is secretive except for its distinctive cry.
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This type of eagle tends to be difficult to find except with the aid of its loud, high-pitched cry. Like other snake eagles, it primarily hunts snakes. Alternate names for this species include the East African snake-eagle and fasciated snake-eagle.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Blackish-brown; grey-brown head; white underparts
- Length: 22-24 inches
- Wingspan: 3.9 to 4.2 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
18. Short-Toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
The short-toed snake eagle primarily hunts and eats snakes and lizards.
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This species is notable for being among the largest of the snake eagles. It also spends more time in the air than most members of its genus, soaring with flattened wings. Its prey consists mostly of snakes and lizards.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Greyish-brown above; whitish, blotched undersides
- Length: 23-28 inches
- Wingspan: 5.3 to 6.4 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, rocky areas, desert
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
19. Black-Chested Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis)
The black-chested snake eagle sports a distinctive black chest.
©Habiburstock99/Shutterstock.com
True to its name, this type of eagle is notable for its blackish-brown chest and head. Although it is typically solitary, it has been known to join communal roosts of up to 200 birds. It hunts snakes, especially venomous snakes as long as 32 inches.
- Genus: Circaetus
- Color: Blackish-brown chest and head; white undersides
- Length: 28 inches
- Wingspan: 5.3 to 6 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, desert
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
20. Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)
The greater spotted eagle prefers wetter habitats than most members of its genus.
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This species is also known simply as the spotted eagle. As a booted eagle, it has feathered legs. However, it prefers wetter habitats than most booted eagles. It hunts by gliding over its prey from concealed perches.
- Genus: Clanga
- Color: Blackish-brown
- Length: 23-29 inches
- Wingspan: 5-6 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, marine (coastal and intertidal)
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
21. Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata)
The Indian spotted eagle has the widest mouth of any spotted eagle.
©Anantha Jois/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is notable for having a broad head and the widest mouth of any spotted eagle. It is also more lightly colored than other members of its genus. Unlike many other raptors, it is relatively approachable.
- Genus: Clanga
- Color: Brown to dark brown
- Length: 24-26 inches
- Wingspan: 5 to 5.5 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
22. Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina)
The lesser spotted eagle has a distinctive white V on its rump.
©Marcin Perkowski/Shutterstock.com
This species has a unique call that sounds like the yip of a dog. Unusually, it occasionally mates with the greater spotted eagle to produce hybrid young. A clearly-defined white V marks its rump.
- Genus: Clanga
- Color: Dark brown; pale brown head and wing coverts; white patch on upper wings; white V on rump
- Length: 25 inches
- Wingspan: 4.8 to 5.6 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, grassland, wetlands
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
23. Congo Serpent-Eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis)
This type of eagle is the only member of the monotypic genus Dryotriorchis. Its superior eyesight renders it especially adept at hunting in the dark understories of the African rainforest. It hunts snakes, chameleons, and toads by dropping them from its perch in the trees.
- Genus: Dryotriorchis
- Color: Dark chocolate brown; blackish-brown crown and upper neck; white underside with dark spots and rufous wash
- Length: 21-24 inches
- Wingspan: 3 to 3.5 feet.
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
24. Madagascar Serpent-Eagle (Eutriorchis astur)
This species is endemic to the African island country of Madagascar where it inhabits dense evergreen forests. At one point, there were no sightings of the bird from 1930 to 1977, leading scientists to believe the species was extinct. Renewed sightings reversed this belief; however, the species is currently endangered.
- Genus: Eutriorchis
- Color: Dark grey on back; lighter grey on belly, breast, and throat; dark barring on body
- Length: 22-26 inches
- Wingspan: 3 to 3.6 feet
- Location: Africa (Madagascar)
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
25. Black-Chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
The black-chested buzzard-eagle has an impressive wingspan of up to 6.6 feet.
©Nick Pecker/Shutterstock.com
This massive eagle is notable for its powerful build and impressive wingspan. In fact, its wings are so long and its tail so short that, when perched, it appears tailless. True to its name, it has a black chest. Interestingly, one of its varied cries sounds uncannily like wild human laughter.
- Genus: Geranoaetus
- Color: Dark grey back and chest (sometimes with black, brown, or blue hue); white undersides (sometimes with dark stripes)
- Length: 24-30 inches
- Wingspan: 4.9 to 6.6 feet
- Location: South America
- Habitat: Savanna, shrubland, grassland, rocky areas
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
26. White-Tailed Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
The white-tailed sea-eagle is one of the largest birds of prey with a wingspan of up to eight feet.
©Mark Medcalf/Shutterstock.com
This species is remarkable for being one of the largest birds of prey in the world as well as the largest type of eagle found in Europe. With a maximum wingspan of eight feet, it may also have the greatest wingspan of any eagle worldwide. As its name suggests, its tail feathers are white in color. Alternate names for this species include the white-tailed eagle, ern (or erne), gray sea eagle, and Eurasian sea eagle.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Greyish-brown; paler head, neck, upper breast, and wing coverts; white tail
- Length: 26-37 inches
- Wingspan: 5.8 to 8 feet
- Location: Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, grassland, wetlands, marine (coastal, intertidal, neritic)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
27. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Ieucocephaus)
The bald eagle dives at speeds of up to 99 miles per hour.
©iStock.com/hsun337 – License
The bald eagle is perhaps most famous for being the national bird of the United States as well as a sacred Indigenous symbol. Its name refers to its white head, which stands in sharp contrast to the rest of its body. This species feeds mainly on fish, plucking them from the water with its sharp talons. It glides at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour and dives at up to 99 miles per hour.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Brown; white head and tail
- Length: 28-40 inches
- Wingspan: 5.9 to 7.6 feet
- Location: Asia (Russia), Europe (Ireland), North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland, wetlands, marine (neritic and intertidal)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
28. White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
The white-bellied sea-eagle’s cry resembles the honk of a goose.
©Wang LiQiang/Shutterstock.com
Also known as the white-breasted sea-eagle, this species lives up to its name with a white breast and belly. Its other alternate names include white-bellied fish hawk, white-eagle, and grey-backed sea-eagle. Strangely enough, its call is more of a goose-like honk than a screech. The species is monogamous with pairs remaining together until death, upon which the surviving member seeks out a new mate.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Grey; white head, breast, belly, and tail
- Length: 26-35 inches
- Wingspan: 5.8 to 7.2 feet
- Location: Asia, Oceania
- Habitat: Wetlands, marine (coastal, intertidal, neritic)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
29. Pallas’s Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus)
Pallas’s fish eagle is capable of lifting loads heavier than itself.
©Supriyo Ghoshal/Shutterstock.com
Like many opportunistic raptors, this type of eagle has a widely varied diet. Although it prefers freshwater fish, it will also eat water birds, frogs, reptiles like snakes, insects, and carrion. Remarkably, observers have seen these eagles carrying off animals heavier than themselves.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Rufous (back); dark brown wings; sandy-brown hood; whitish face; black tail with white stripe
- Length: 28-33 inches
- Wingspan: 5.9 to 7.9 feet
- Location: Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Endangered
30. Steller’s Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
Steller’s sea eagle is arguably the heaviest eagle in the world.
©Petr Simon/Shutterstock.com
This species is famous for typically being the heaviest eagle in existence, though the harpy eagle and the Philippine eagle are contenders for the title. In addition to this, the species also has a massive wingspan. Its barking cry is distinctive for being loud and deep. Though it is usually dark brown with white accents, some individuals are born as the rare dark morph. The only white plumage on these birds occurs in their tails.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Dark brown to black; white wing coverts, thighs, under-tail coverts, and tail
- Length: 34-41 inches
- Wingspan: 6.4 to 8.2 feet
- Location: Asia, North America
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands (inland), rocky areas, marine (coastal, neritic, intertidal)
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
31. Sanford’s Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus sanfordi)
Sanford’s sea-eagle is endemic to the Solomon Islands.
©Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago and is the only large predator inhabiting the Solomon Islands. Although it mainly hunts fish, molluscs, sea tortoises, crabs, and sea snakes, it also occasionally grabs birds and bats from the forest canopy.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Dark brown to greyish-black; bright brown on head and neck; underparts brown, reddish brown, or dark brown
- Length: 28-35 inches
- Wingspan: 5.4 to 6 feet
- Location: Oceania (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands)
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands, marine (intertidal)
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
32. African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
The African fish-eagle inhabits areas around large bodies of water.
©Tomas Drahos/Shutterstock.com
This species of eagle is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa where it lingers around large bodies of open water. Due to its white head, it closely resembles the bald eagle, though their ranges do not overlap. Its evocative cry is especially shrill when coming from a male. It feeds on fish and birds as well as more unusual animals like baby crocodiles and dik diks.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Brown body; black wings; white head
- Length: 25 to 29.5 inches
- Wingspan: 6.6 to 7.9 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands (inland), marine (coastal, neritic)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
33. Madagascar Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides)
The Madagascar fish-eagle is critically endangered.
©Agami Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com
Although many species of eagles suffer from declining populations, the Madagascar fish-eagle is one of the few that are critically endangered. Endemic to Madagascar, it has few options for repopulation. It is closely related to the African fish-eagle, though it has a tan rather than a white head.
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Color: Dark brown; pale brown or tan head; white tail
- Length: 23.5 to 26 inches
- Wingspan: 5.4 to 5.9 feet
- Location: Africa (Madagascar)
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands (inland), marine (coastal, intertidal, neritic)
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
34. Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)
The majestic harpy eagle has a wingspan of over seven feet.
©MarcusVDT/Shutterstock.com
Also known as the American harpy eagle, this type of eagle derives its name from the half-human, half-bird harpy of Greco-Roman legend. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Harpia. Famously, it is one of the three largest eagles in the world, contending with the Philippine eagle and Steller’s sea-eagle. Its talons are larger than those of any living eagle, helping it to carry loads up to approximately half its own body weight.
- Genus: Harpia
- Color: Slate-black; broad black band across upper chest; white underside
- Length: 34-42 inches
- Wingspan: 5.8 to 7.4 feet
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, savanna
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
35. Papuan Eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae)
Endemic to New Guinea, this species ranges throughout the island. Its proportions are somewhat strange, including an unusually prominent head and elongated legs. Alternate names for this species include the Papuan harpy eagle, New Guinea eagle, New Guinea harpy eagle, and kapul eagle.
- Genus: Harpyopsis
- Color: Greyish-brown; creamy underside
- Length: 30-35 inches
- Wingspan: 4 to 5.2 feet
- Location: Indonesia – Papua, Papua New Guinea
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
36. Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaetus ayresii)
Ayres’s hawk-eagle is known for targeting other birds.
©Daniel Danckwerts/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is remarkable for almost exclusively hunting other birds, intercepting them midair. Its favorite targets are doves and pigeons. However, it will sometimes target larger birds up to over twice its own size. Though its populations are small, scientists do not consider the species to be in serious danger at this time.
- Genus: Hieraaetus
- Color: Blackish with white mottling and white forehead; white underparts; ashy grey tail with black tip and bars
- Length: 17-22 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5 to 4.5 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
37. Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides)
The little eagle is only about the size of a peregrine falcon.
©nataliatamkovich/Shutterstock.com
True to its name, the little eagle is very small in size with measurements similar to those of the peregrine falcon. Due to its size, it is limited to smaller mammals like rabbits as well as large insects. Declining populations of small mammals throughout Australia may threaten this species in the future.
- Genus: Hieraaetus
- Color: Light form (dark brown back and wings, black stripes on head and neck, sandy or pale underside); dark form (same as light form except head and underside are dark brown or rufous)
- Length: 17 to 21.5 inches
- Wingspan: 3.6 to 4.5 feet
- Location: Australia
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
38. Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
The booted eagle is small but fast, stooping on its prey from above.
©Independent birds/Shutterstock.com
This species is small in size, comparable to the little eagle. It hunts by stooping on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. While populations in the northern hemisphere are migratory, populations in southern Africa remain in place. More research is needed on this inadequately studied species to better grasp the threats it faces.
- Genus: Hieraaetus
- Color: Light form (light grey, darker head and flight feathers); dark form (mid-brown plumage, dark grey flight feathers)
- Length: 16-22 inches
- Wingspan: 3.6 to 4.3 feet
- Location: Africa, Asia, Europe
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland, desert, marine (coastal)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
39. Wahlberg’s Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi)
Wahlberg’s eagle has incredible speed and stamina over long distances.
©PACO COMO/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is especially notable for being able to cross large distances quickly. For example, researchers tracked a female in 1994 that covered 5,500 miles in nine months. The species’ aerial abilities also extend to stunning midair courtship displays. As predators, these raptors prey mainly on other birds, reptiles, and invertebrates like termites.
- Genus: Hieraaetus
- Color: Usually dark brown; grey undersides with dark markings; grey undertail with dark bars
- Length: 21-24 inches
- Wingspan: 4.3 to 4.8 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
40. Pygmy Eagle (Hieraaetus weiskei)
Also known as the New Guinea hawk-eagle, this diminutive species is endemic to New Guinea. Next to the Great Nicobar serpent-eagle, it is the smallest extant eagle species. Initially, due to its size, scientists believed it to be a subspecies of the little eagle. It is quick and agile in the air, scanning the forest canopy for prey from above and then swiftly diving to attack.
- Genus: Hieraaetus
- Color: Dark morph (dark brown); light morph (light brown)
- Length: 15-19 inches
- Wingspan: 3.7 to 4.1 feet
- Location: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
41. Lesser Fish-Eagle (Icthyophaga humilis)
The lesser fish-eagle uses its curved talons to grab fish from the water.
This type of eagle earned the modifier “lesser” due to its inferior size compared to its relative, the grey-headed fish-eagle. As this eagle mainly eats fish, it has adapted curved talons useful for plucking its prey from the water. It typically switches between several dedicated perches overlooking streams and rivers in order to view potential targets.
- Genus: Icthyophaga (alternately, some authorities place this species in the genus Haliaeetus)
- Color: Grey-brown; brown breast; white thighs and belly
- Length: 25-27 inches
- Wingspan: 3.9 to 5.4 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
42. Grey-Headed Fish-Eagle (Icthyophaga ichthyaetus)
The grey-headed fish-eagle is piscivorous, snatching fish from bodies of water.
This species is notable for choosing to build its nests near bodies of water like rivers, streams, lakes, and lagoons. In Sri Lanka, the local people know it as the tank eagle due to its propensity for hanging around irrigation tanks. As its fondness for water might suggest, this eagle is a piscivore, occasionally expanding its diet to include small mammals, reptiles, and birds. Its similarity to the lesser fish-eagle has led some to confuse the two.
- Genus: Icthyophaga (alternately, some authorities place this species in the genus Haliaeetus)
- Color: Dark brown body; grey head; pale underbelly; white legs
- Length: 24 to 29.5 inches
- Wingspan: 5 to 5.6 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Wetlands (inland), marine (coastal, neritic)
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
43. Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis)
The black eagle is capable of soaring for long periods without rest.
Despite this species’ large size, its form is slender with wings that narrow toward the body. Its leisurely flight over the forest canopy gives it ample opportunity to search for vulnerable nests with eggs. In addition to eating eggs, it preys on small mammals like bats and squirrels as well as other birds. Its stamina allows it to soar for long periods without rest.
- Genus: Ictinaetus
- Color: Black
- Length: 30-32 inches
- Wingspan: 4.9 to 6 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest, shrubland
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
44. Long-Crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
The long-crested eagle gets its name from the prominent feathers on its head.
This type of eagle derives its name from the long, thin feathers protruding from the back of its head to form a distinctive crest. Its diet is almost completely comprised of rodents, though it will also eat other birds, frogs, lizards, and fish. Rather than soar in the air looking for prey, it is a “sit and wait hunter,” choosing a perch from which to observe potential prey.
- Genus: Lophaetus
- Color: Blackish-brown; white markings on wings; black tail with grey bars
- Length: 21-23 inches
- Wingspan: 3.7 to 4.2 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, grassland, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
45. Rufous-Bellied Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii)
The rufous-bellied eagle spends its time flying over the forest canopy in search of prey.
©ITSUKY/Shutterstock.com
The rufous-bellied eagle is a physically striking bird with its black hood, chestnut underbelly, and white breast. Most commonly observed in flight rather than on perches, it soars over the forest canopy in search of prey before diving to capture it. In breeding season, it attempts to attract a mate by means of a display flight with stooping and wing-quivering.
- Genus: Lophotriorchis
- Color: Black hood; chestnut underparts and wing coverts; white throat and breast
- Length: 24 inches
- Wingspan: 3 to 4.2 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
46. Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis)
The crested eagle sports a large crest on its head.
The crested eagle carries a distinctive feathery crest, giving the impression that its head is larger than it actually is. Amazingly, researchers have observed this species hunting small monkeys like capuchins, tamarins, and woolly monkeys. This is despite its general tendency to go after smaller prey, potentially to reduce competition with the larger harpy eagle. Its other prey includes mammals like opossums, snakes, and lizards.
- Genus: Morphnus
- Color: Light brownish-grey, sooty grey, or blackish body; white throat; dark spot on crest; dark mask over eyes
- Length: 28-35 inches
- Wingspan: 4.5 to 5.8 feet
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
47. Blyth’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus alboniger)
Blyth’s hawk-eagle builds its stick nest in a tree.
©MrKumai.blogspot.com/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle sports a striking feathery crest as well as a distinctive spotted and barred breast and underbelly. Like many eagles, it builds a nest made of sticks in a tree. Because it only lays a single egg at a time, its populations are slow to recover from any losses.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Black above; black-spotted breast; barred underbelly; white band on tail
- Length: 20-24 inches
- Wingspan: 3.3 to 3.8 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
48. Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)
The Javan hawk-eagle is endemic to the island of Java.
Endemic to the Indonesian island of Java, the Javan hawk-eagle is one of the rarest raptors in the world. The IUCN estimates that only 300-500 mature individuals currently remain in the wild. A striking bird, it sports a black feathery crest on its head and a barred underbelly.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown back and wings; rufous head and neck; black head crest; barred underbelly; light brown tail with cream stripes
- Length: 24 inches
- Wingspan: —
- Location: Indonesia (Java)
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
49. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)
The changeable hawk-eagle is so named because of its various color morphs.
©Martin Mecnarowski/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle was given the name “changeable” because of its variable color morphs, especially among juveniles. Its hawklike body structure – long but powerful legs, long tails, and short, broad wings – gives it greater speed and agility in the air. It uses these advantages to capture a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Typical morph (dark brown above; streaked underbelly); pale morph (dark brown above with paler edges; whitish underside with dark streaking); intermediate morph (similar to pale morph but with grey-brown underside); dark morph (dark chocolate brown to nearly black; brown edges; greyish tail bars)
- Length: 31 inches
- Wingspan: 4.2 to 4.5 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
50. Flores Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus floris)
This type of eagle may well be the rarest eagle species in the world. The IUCN has assessed its current population in the wild at 100-240 mature individuals. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to decrease. As an inhabitant of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the species appears to be adept at crossing narrow straits to get from island to island.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown above; white underparts; white head with brown streaks; white patch on wings; dark markings on thighs
- Length: 30-31 inches
- Wingspan: —
- Location: Indonesia (Lesser Sunda Islands)
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
51. Sulawesi Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus lanceolatus)
The Sulawesi hawk-eagle is endemic to Indonesia.
Although this species is confined to Indonesia, it is widespread throughout its range. For this reason, scientists do not currently consider it seriously endangered. Juveniles sport strikingly white heads and underparts, though these darken as they mature.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown wings; marked rufous-brown head and chest; white underbelly with black bars
- Length: 25 inches
- Wingspan: 3.6 to 4.4 feet
- Location: Indonesia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
52. Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nanus)
Wallace’s hawk-eagle is a small eagle with a wingspan of less than 3.5 feet.
Wallace’s hawk-eagle is among the smallest eagle species in the world, about the size of a peregrine falcon. It was named after the British naturalist and biologist, Alfred Russell Wallace.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown wings; paler face; black-barred underparts; two white bands on tail
- Length: 18-23 inches
- Wingspan: 3.1 to 3.4 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
53. Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis)
The mountain hawk-eagle has been known to target prey bigger than itself.
This type of eagle has the longest wings of all the hawk-eagles, which typically have shorter wingspans compared to open-country eagles. Much like the changeable hawk-eagle, its hawklike body structure gives it increased speed and maneuverability in the air. These ferocious predators occasionally hunt prey larger than themselves.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown with paler edges; rusty head with bold black streaks; grey-brown tail with whitish tip and black bands
- Length: 27-33 inches
- Wingspan: 4.4 to 5.7 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
54. North Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus philippensis)
The Philippine hawk-eagle utters a high-pitched screech that sounds like “week wik!” or “week!”
Also known as the Philippine hawk-eagle, this species is endemic to the Philippines. It sports a distinctive streaked crest on its head. Its call is a high screech, either a combined “week wik!” or a lone “week!” Due to habitat loss and trapping, its population is declining in the wild.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown above; pale brown belly; streaked head and chest; barred lower belly
- Length: 27 inches
- Wingspan: 3.4 to 4.1 feet
- Location: Philippines
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
55. South Philippine Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus pinskeri)
The south Philippine hawk-eagle was considered a subspecies of the north Philippine hawk-eagle.
Similar to the north Philippine hawk-eagle, this type of eagle is also endemic to the Philippines. At one point, scientists believed it to be a subspecies of its north Philippine relative. They share endangered status, though the southern species is slightly more numerous. It is also known as the Pinsker’s hawk-eagle or Mindanao hawk-eagle.
- Genus: Nisaetus
- Color: Dark brown above; whitish underbelly; streaked head and chest; barred lower belly
- Length: 24 inches
- Wingspan: —
- Location: Philippines
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
56. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
The Philippine eagle is the national bird of the Philippines.
Endemic to the Philippines, this species is also known as the national bird of the Philippines, the great Philippine eagle, or the monkey-eating eagle. The last title derives from its habit of preying on the Philippine long-tailed macaque and the common long-tailed macaque. Given the species’ endangered status, anyone who kills one of these birds is subject to heavy fines and a jail term of up to 12 years. It is the largest eagle in the world by both length and wing surface area.
- Genus: Pithecophaga
- Color: Dark brown back; white underbelly and underwings; dark face; creamy-brown crown and nape
- Length: 34-40 inches (potentially as long as 41 inches)
- Wingspan: 6 to 7.2 feet
- Location: Philippines
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
57. Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
The martial eagle is a bold predator of livestock and game, leading some humans to hunt it.
This type of eagle is one of the longest in the world, though its unusually short tail curtails its potential. It is also one of the largest eagles in the world in terms of wingspan. A powerful and bold predator, it is remarkable for stooping on its prey from great heights. Because of its rapacious nature, humans frequently hunt it to eliminate the threat to livestock and game.
- Genus: Polemaetus
- Color: Dark brown (head, back, and upper chest) with paler edging; white underparts with blackish-brown spotting
- Length: 31-38 inches
- Wingspan: 6.2 to 7.9 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Endangered
58. Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
The crested serpent-eagle has a wingspan of between nearly three and 5.5 feet.
©Andi WG/Shutterstock.com
With 21 proposed subspecies, the crested serpent-eagle varies greatly in both length and wingspan. However, all subspecies have a long feathery crest, which gives them a maned appearance. This crest rises to frame the rest of the head when the bird is startled or alarmed. As its name suggests, this species prefers to hunt reptiles, especially snakes and lizards.
- Genus: Spilornis
- Color: Dark brown; underside spotted with white and yellowish-brown
- Length: 16-30 inches
- Wingspan: 2.9 to 5.5 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, marine (neritic)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
59. Andaman Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis elgini)
The Andaman serpent-eagle has thick scales on its legs and feet to protect it from snakebites.
©mihirjoshi/Shutterstock.com
The Andaman serpent-eagle is endemic to the Andaman Islands of India. Although this species hunts snakes, it also preys on other reptiles as well as birds, frogs, and rats. Thick scales on its legs and feet protect it from the bites of venomous snakes. During breeding season, it engages in spectacular aerial courtship displays such as diving and talon locking. Alternate names for this species include the Andaman dark serpent-eagle and the dark serpent-eagle.
- Genus: Spilornis
- Color: Dark brown with white spots on chest and wings; white and black bands on underside of wings; black bands on tail
- Length: 21 inches
- Wingspan: 3.8 to 4 feet
- Location: India
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
60. Philippine Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis holospilus)
The Philippine serpent-eagle is notable for its distinctive white spotting.
As its name suggests, this type of eagle is one of several endemic to the Philippines. It occurs on the majority of the major islands with the exception of Palawan. In terms of its diet, it targets reptiles and amphibians as well as other live prey. The prominent spotting on its underside and underwings helps distinguish it from other serpent-eagles.
- Genus: Spilornis
- Color: Dark brown with white spots on crown and upperparts; grey cheeks; rufous-brown below with white spots
- Length: 25 inches
- Wingspan: —
- Location: Philippines
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
61. Kinabalu Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis kinabaluensis)
The Kinabalu serpent-eagle lives at altitudes as great as 13,500 feet.
This type of eagle derives its name from Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. Due to its affinity for high altitudes – as high as 13,500 feet – it is also known as the mountain serpent-eagle. Although logging and agriculture have resulted in some habitat loss, the high altitude of much of its range largely protects it from such destructive influences.
- Genus: Spilornis
- Color: Dark overall; dark head; chestnut underparts; white wing and tail bands
- Length: 23 inches
- Wingspan: 3.9 to 4.2 feet
- Location: Asia
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
62. Great Nicobar Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis klossi)
One of the smallest eagles in the world, this species measures less than a foot and a half in length. It is endemic to Great Nicobar Island in India. Despite its resemblance to the crested serpent-eagle, the lack of markings on its underparts helps distinguish it.
- Genus: Spilornis
- Color: Pale brown; pale underparts
- Length: 15-17 inches
- Wingspan: 2.8 to 3.1 feet
- Location: India (Great Nicobar Island)
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
63. Black-and-Chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
The black-and-chestnut eagle is the largest member of its genus with a wingspan of up to nearly six feet.
©jeremaixs/Shutterstock.com
This type of eagle is the largest member of its genus with a maximum wingspan approaching six feet. Its name reflects its glossy black upperparts and chestnut underparts. Due to its habit of preying on domestic fowl, it is often subject to persecution from human hunters.
- Genus: Spizaetus
- Color: Glossy black (head and back); chestnut on underside; greyish tail with thick black band
- Length: 24-31 inches
- Wingspan: 4.8 to 5.9 feet
- Location: South America
- Habitat: Forest
- Conservation Status: Endangered
64. Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
The stunning dichotomous coloration of this type of eagle is easily recognizable within its range. It preys on a variety of animals including birds, reptiles, toads, and mammals. It typically soars overhead while on the hunt, swooping down once it spots its prey.
- Genus: Spizaetus
- Color: Blackish upperparts; black mask and crest; white underparts
- Length: 20-24 inches
- Wingspan: —
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, savanna
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
65. Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
The ornate hawk-eagle is named for its striking combination of colors and patterns.
The ornate hawk-eagle lives up to its name with its striking combination of blackish-brown barring, rufous-colored nape, and black-barred whitish underside. This mighty predator primarily hunts small-to-medium mammals and medium-to-large birds, though it occasionally targets reptiles.
- Genus: Spizaetus
- Color: Blackish to dark brown barring; rufous nape; whitish underside with black barring
- Length: 22-27 inches
- Wingspan: 3.8 to 4.7 feet
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, savanna
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
66. Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus)
The black hawk-eagle is a mid-sized eagle that often hunts prey larger than itself.
This species is also known as the tyrant hawk-eagle, a reference to the name tyrannus. Despite its relatively small size, it often pursues sizeable prey like monkeys, opossums, and iguanas. Its closest relative is the ornate hawk-eagle.
- Genus: Spizaetus
- Color: Black with varying patterns and white speckles; grey bars on tail
- Length: 23-28 inches
- Wingspan: 3.8 to 4.9 feet
- Location: North America, South America
- Habitat: Forest, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
67. Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
The crowned eagle has impressive talons that it may use to crush the skulls of its prey.
Not to be confused with the crowned solitary eagle, this immense species belongs to the genus Stephanoaetus. It is also known as the African crowned eagle and crowned hawk-eagle. With its incredibly strong legs and talons, it is possible that it kills its prey by crushing its skull.
- Genus: Stephanoaetus
- Color: Blackish brown-grey upperparts with variable blue tinge; dark crown; brown throat; white breast and belly with dark bars and markings; black tail with brownish-grey bands
- Length: 31-39 inches
- Wingspan: 5 to 6.2 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, wetlands (inland)
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
68. Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
The bateleur is a visually striking bird whose French name means “street performer.”
©Carrie Ogle/Shutterstock.com
The bateleur is one of the most striking eagles in the world with its contrasting black, grey, white, and red coloration. Its name – French for “street performer” – reflects its flamboyant appearance. Its wing motions during takeoff are unusually quick and shallow for its significant size.
- Genus: Terathopius
- Color: Black with chestnut on mantle; grey patches on wings; white greater coverts; bright red cere and feet
- Length: 22-28 inches
- Wingspan: 5.5 to 6.2 feet
- Location: Africa
- Habitat: Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland
- Conservation Status: Endangered
Summary of Every Type of Eagle
*These tables are sorted alphabetically by genus and scientific name.
Genus Aquila
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusSpanish Imperial EagleAquila adalbertiEurope, AfricaShy of humans
Prefers rabbits as preyVulnerable (increasing)Cassin’s Hawk-EagleAquila africanaAfricaFeathered legs
Smallest member of AquilaLeast Concern (decreasing)Wedge-Tailed EagleAquila audaxAsia, OceaniaLargest bird of prey in Australia
Wedge-shaped tailLeast Concern (increasing)Golden EagleAquila chrysaetosAfrica, Asia, Europe, North America, South AmericaGolden-brown plumage
Large wingspanLeast Concern (stable)Bonelli’s EagleAquila fasciataAfrica, Asia, EuropeAerial
Feathered legsLeast Concern (decreasing)Gurney’s EagleAquila gurneyiAsia, OceaniaHolds wings level while glidingNear Threatened (decreasing)Eastern Imperial EagleAquila heliacaAfrica, Asia, EuropeBolder than average around humans
Projecting neck and large heads/billsVulnerable (decreasing)Steppe EagleAquila nipalensisAfrica, Asia, EuropeBreeds on steppes
Bulky bodyEndangered (decreasing)Tawny EagleAquila rapaxAfrica, AsiaScruffy
Aquiline silhouette
ScavengerVulnerable (decreasing)African Hawk-EagleAquila spilogasterAfricaPowerful body, large feet
Builds large stick nestsLeast Concern (decreasing)Verreaux’s EagleAquila verreauxiiAfricaBlack-and-white plumage
Sixth longest eagle in the worldLeast Concern (stable)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Aquila.
Genus Buteogallus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusCrowned Solitary EagleButeogallus coronatusSouth AmericaDark grey crest (“crown”) on head
Shrill and powerful callEndangered (decreasing)Black Solitary EagleButeogallus solitariusNorth America, South AmericaPrefers mountainous or hilly forests
Potentially preys on snakes and deer fawnsNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Buteogallus.
Genus Circaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBeaudouin’s Snake EagleCircaetus beaudouiniAfricaPrefers to sit and wait for its preyVulnerable (decreasing)Western Banded Snake EagleCircaetus cinerascensAfricaSolitary and elusive
Preys mainly on snakesLeast Concern (decreasing)Brown Snake EagleCircaetus cinereusAfricaDisplays a purple sheen in certain lights
Hunts both harmless and venomous snakesLeast Concern (decreasing)Southern Banded Snake EagleCircaetus fasciolatusAfricaElusive
Primarily hunts snakesNear Threatened (decreasing)Short-Toed Snake EagleCircaetus gallicusAfrica, Asia, EuropeLarger and more aerial than most snake eaglesLeast Concern (stable)Black-Chested Snake EagleCircaetus pectoralisAfricaBoth solitary and communal
Hunts venomous snakesLeast Concern (stable)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Circaetus.
Genus Clanga
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusGreater Spotted EagleClanga clangaAfrica, Asia, EuropeAerial hunter
Prefers wetter habitats than most booted eaglesVulnerable (decreasing)Indian Spotted EagleClanga hastataAsiaWidest mouth of any spotted eagle
Relatively approachableVulnerable (decreasing)Lesser Spotted EagleClanga pomarinaAfrica, Asia, EuropeWhite V on rump
Yipping call
Occasionally mates with greater spotted eagleLeast Concern (stable)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Clanga.
Genus Dryotriorchis
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusCongo Serpent-EagleDryotriorchis spectabilisAfricaOnly member of its genus
Adept at hunting in understory of African rainforestLeast Concern (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Dryotriorchis.
Genus Eutriorchis
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusMadagascar Serpent-EagleEutriorchis asturAfrica (Madagascar)Endemic to Madagascar
Thought to be extinct at one pointEndangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Eutriorchis.
Genus Geranoaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBlack-Chested Buzzard-EagleGeranoaetus melanoleucusSouth AmericaPowerful build, impressive wingspan
Black chest
One of its cries sounds like human laughterLeast Concern (stable)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Geranoaetus.
Genus Haliaeetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusWhite-Tailed Sea-EagleHaliaeetus albicillaAsia, EuropeLargest eagle found in Europe
Possibly greatest wingspan of any eagle
White tailLeast Concern (increasing)Bald EagleHaliaeetus IeucocephausAsia, Europe, North America, South AmericaNational bird of the US
White head
Fast and agileLeast Concern (increasing)White-Bellied Sea-EagleHaliaeetus leucogasterAsia, OceaniaWhite breast and belly
Honking cry
MonogamousLeast Concern (decreasing)Pallas’s Fish-EagleHaliaeetus leucoryphusAsia, EuropeWidely varied diet
Can fly with loads heavier than itselfEndangered (decreasing)Steller’s Sea-EagleHaliaeetus pelagicusAsia, North AmericaAmong the three heaviest eagles in the world
Barking cry
Rare dark morphVulnerable (decreasing)Sanford’s Sea-EagleHaliaeetus sanfordiOceaniaOnly large predator in Solomon Islands archipelagoVulnerable (decreasing)African Fish-EagleHaliaeetus vociferAfricaEndemic to sub-Saharan Africa
Resembles bald eagle
Evocative cryLeast Concern (stable)Madagascar Fish-EagleHaliaeetus vociferoidesAfrica (Madagascar)Closely related to the African fish-eagle
Critically endangeredCritically Endangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Haliaeetus.
Genus Harpia
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusHarpy EagleHarpia harpyjaNorth America, South AmericaOne of three largest eagles
Largest talons of any living eagles
Carries up to half its body weightVulnerable (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Harpia.
Genus Harpyopsis
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusPapuan EagleHarpyopsis novaeguineaeIndonesia – Papua, Papua New GuineaEndemic to New Guinea
Unusual physical proportionsVulnerable (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Harpyopsis.
Genus Hieraaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusAyres’s Hawk-EagleHieraaetus ayresiiAfricaAlmost exclusively hunts other birdsLeast Concern (decreasing)Little EagleHieraaetus morphnoidesAustraliaEndemic to Australia
Very small in sizeLeast Concern (stable)Booted EagleHieraaetus pennatusAfrica, Asia, EuropeBoth light form and dark form existLeast Concern (stable)Wahlberg’s EagleHieraaetus wahlbergiAfricaStunning aerial courtship displays
Ability to fly quickly over long distancesLeast Concern (stable)Pygmy EagleHieraaetus weiskeiIndonesia, Papua New GuineaOne of the smallest eagle species
Quick and agile in the airLeast Concern (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Hieraaetus.
Genus Icthyophaga
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusLesser Fish-EagleIcthyophaga humilisAsiaUses several personal perches to view its prey in the waterNear Threatened (decreasing)Grey-Headed Fish-EagleIcthyophaga ichthyaetusAsiaPiscivorous
Likes hanging around irrigation tanks in Sri LankaNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Icthyophaga.
Genus Ictinaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBlack EagleIctinaetus malaiensisAsiaSlender form, leisurely and prolonged flight
Affinity for eating eggsLeast Concern (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Ictinaetus.
Genus Lophaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusLong-Crested EagleLophaetus occipitalisAfricaLong feathers form a crest on head
Primarily eats rodentsLeast Concern (increasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Lophaetus.
Genus Lophotriorchis
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusRufous-Bellied EagleLophotriorchis kieneriiAsiaPhysically striking (black, white, and chestnut)
Most often observed soaringNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Lophotriorchis.
Genus Morphnus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusCrested EagleMorphnus guianensisNorth America, South AmericaDistinctive feathery crest on head
Hunts small monkeysNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Morphnus.
Genus Nisaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBlyth’s Hawk-EagleNisaetus albonigerAsiaStriking feathery crest on head
Spotted and barred breast and underbellyLeast Concern (decreasing)Javan Hawk-EagleNisaetus bartelsiIndonesia (Java)Striking feathery head crest
One of the rarest raptors in the worldEndangered (decreasing)Changeable Hawk-EagleNisaetus cirrhatusAsiaVarious color morphs
Hawklike body structureLeast Concern (decreasing)Flores Hawk-EagleNisaetus florisIndonesia (Lesser Sunda Islands)Possibly the rarest eagle in the world
Crosses narrow straits to get from island to islandCritically Endangered (decreasing)Sulawesi Hawk-EagleNisaetus lanceolatusIndonesiaEndemic to Indonesia
Juveniles are notable for striking white heads and underpartsLeast Concern (decreasing)Wallace’s Hawk-EagleNisaetus nanusAsiaAmong the smallest eagles in the worldVulnerable (decreasing)Mountain Hawk-EagleNisaetus nipalensisAsiaLongest wings of all hawk-eagles
Possesses great speed and agility
Occasionally hunts prey larger than itselfNear Threatened (decreasing)North Philippine Hawk-EagleNisaetus philippensisPhilippinesEndemic to Philippines
Streaked crest on head
High, screeching callEndangered (decreasing)South Philippine Hawk-EagleNisaetus pinskeriPhilippinesSimilar to the north Philippine hawk-eagleEndangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Nisaetus.
Genus Pithecophaga
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusPhilippine EaglePithecophaga jefferyiPhilippinesLargest eagle in the world by length and wing surface area
Protected by Philippine lawCritically Endangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Pithecophaga.
Genus Polemaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusMartial EaglePolemaetus bellicosusAfricaAmong the longest eagles in the world
One of the largest wingspans of any eagleEndangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Polemaetus.
Genus Spilornis
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusCrested Serpent-EagleSpilornis cheelaAsiaLong feathery crests (rises when alarmed)
Hunts reptiles, especially snakes and lizardsLeast Concern (stable)Andaman Serpent-EagleSpilornis elginiIndia (Andaman Islands)Thick scales on legs and feet protect it from snake bites
Elaborate aerial courtship displaysVulnerable (decreasing)Philippine Serpent-EagleSpilornis holospilusPhilippinesEndemic to Philippines
Prominent spots on underpartsLeast Concern (decreasing)Kinabalu Serpent-EagleSpilornis kinabaluensisAsiaAffinity for high altitudes
Named after Mount KinabaluNear Threatened (decreasing)Great Nicobar Serpent-EagleSpilornis klossiIndia (Great Nicobar Island)One of the smallest extant eagles
Endemic to Great Nicobar IslandNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Spilornis.
Genus Spizaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBlack-and-Chestnut EagleSpizaetus isidoriSouth AmericaBlack and chestnut in color
Largest member of its genusEndangered (decreasing)Black-and-White Hawk-EagleSpizaetus melanoleucusNorth America, South AmericaStunning dichotomous coloration (black and white)Least Concern (decreasing)Ornate Hawk-EagleSpizaetus ornatusNorth America, South AmericaOrnate coloration
Powerful predatorNear Threatened (decreasing)Black Hawk-EagleSpizaetus tyrannusNorth America, South AmericaCalled the tyrant hawk-eagle
Hunts larger preyLeast Concern (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Spizaetus.
Genus Stephanoaetus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusCrowned EagleStephanoaetus coronatusAfricaPossibly kills by crushing the skull
One of the largest eagle speciesNear Threatened (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Stephanoaetus.
Genus
Common NameScientific NameLocationDefining CharacteristicsConservation StatusBateleurTerathopius ecaudatusAfricaStriking coloration
Name is French for “street performer”Endangered (decreasing)
A summary of the eagle species within the genus Terathopius.