The eagle is one of the noblest creatures in nature. The sight of an eagle soaring high in the sky with its giant wings spread is an awesome sight. Since Roman times the eagle has been a symbol of many nations and empires. Here are some fascinating facts about these raptors.

Fact 1: In every species of eagle the females are larger than the males.

Fact 2: Many eagles lay two eggs at a time. After hatching, the larger eagle chick very often kills the smaller one.

Fact 3: Amongst birds, eagles are apex predators meaning that other birds do not hunt eagles. Unlike other predatory birds eagles do not look over their shoulder when they are about to make a kill.

Fact 4: A Bald Eagle once was recorded flying with a 15 pound (6.8 kg) deer fawn prey in its beak. This is a record for the heaviest load ever seen carried by a bird.

Fact 5: The eagle’s eyesight is almost four times as sharp as the human’s eyesight.

Fact 6: The White-Tailed Eagle’s average wingspan is over 7 feet (218 cm).

Fact 7: Eagle feathers were traditionally given by Native American Indians to persons who were deemed especially worthy. Today, only certified tribe members can obtain eagle feathers to be used for religious or spiritual ceremonies.

Fact 8: The Bald Eagle’s nest can measure up to 13 feet (4 meters) wide and weigh up to one ton. The largest nest ever found weighed 3 tons or 6,000 pounds.

Fact 9: Bald Eagles usually avoid all areas of human activity. But there is a bald eagle family located in Harlem, New York City.

Fact 10: The Bald Eagle courtship includes the eagles locking talons while flying and then freefalling. They couple separates just before hitting the ground.