Globally, there are nearly 70 eagle species with a total population across all species estimated to be in the low millions. Some have widespread ranges and are doing quite well, while others are facing major threats and their populations are declining. While some, once endangered, are on the slow road to recovery. They are considered top (apex) predators and most species require large swaths of healthy habitat in order to thrive.
Whitehawk’s roots are deeply connected to one eagle in particular. Five of our team members met when working for The Peregrine Fund – a conservation organization dedicated to protecting birds of prey around the world. In Panama, we worked together to protect the Harpy Eagle – arguably one of the world’s coolest eagles and a highlight of this list.
To protect this species, we hiked for hours in the field together tracking birds. We sat in blinds observing young eagles newly released into the wild. We conducted education programs to help teach people about the importance of raptors. However, after several years of working together, different projects led us all in a variety of different directions. When we founded Whitehawk in 2011, it seemed fitting that we would somehow all come back together. So, I wanted to write this post to talk about the eagle that brought us all together, and other favorites found around the world.
1. Harpy Eagle
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of the largest eagles in the world. However, not by wingspan. The wingspan of a Stellar’s Sea Eagle far surpasses that of a Harpy Eagle’s. And Bald and Golden Eagles are similar. Its height and weight are also on par with many of the world’s larger eagles. However, this eagle shines with its strength and power. This denizen of the forest boasts rear talons the size of grizzly bear claws and builds nests in the branches of the highest trees in the rainforest. It is the national bird of Panama. In Panama, we celebrate Harpy Eagle Day every year on April 10th. Its diet consists of sloths, monkeys, iguanas, coatimundis, porcupine, foxes, toucans, and more!
2. Crested Eagle
The Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) shares much of its range and habitat with the Harpy Eagle. Rarer, and often harder to find than its larger cousin, it is one of the highlights of a trip to Panama. Crested Eagles can be found in light and dark morphs. In some nations throughout its range it is known as Aguila Monera – the monkey- eating eagle. It also hunts other mammals such as kinkajous, rodents, and squirrels. But, it also takes snakes – such as boas, and large birds such as guans. This eagle builds large nests, mainly in emergent trees. Similar to Harpy Eagle, the Crested Eagle may lay up to two eggs, though only one nestling has ever been reported. This large eagle is categorized as Near Threatened across its range, but it is considered Endangered in Mexico.
3. Steller’s Sea Eagle
One of the coolest experiences of my life has been a trip by boat out of Hokkaido, Japan to observe dozens of eagles hunting on the open water and perched on ice sheets. We were able to get close enough to see the lovely details in their feathers. One of the species we observed was the the Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus). Its stunning black and white feather pattern, bright orange bill, and impressive size place it high on the “must-see” list of most birders and raptor lovers. It is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and lives in parts of Russia, Japan, China, and Korea. Like most eagle species, they build large stick nests in trees or on a cliff ledge, usually near water bodies. They have a nearly 8 foot (195–245 cm) wingspan.
4. Philippine Eagle
Seeing a Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in the wild must be one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters I can imagine. Standing around 3 feet () tall and boasting a wingspan of around 7 feet (), it is one of the largest and, sadly, one of the most endangered eagles in the world. It is endemic to four islands in the Philippines. Scientists estimate only 400 pairs remain in the wild. Several organizations, such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation, are working hard to conserve this spectacular bird of prey, the national bird of the Philippines.
5. White-tailed Eagle
It may or may not come as a surprise to learn that the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is a close relative of the Bald Eagle. This fishing eagle, of course, has a high-fish diet, mainly taking species that travel close to the surface of the water. It has been reported taking nestlings even eggs from seabird colonies, such as from eiders, auks, and gulls. But it will also feed on mammals and feed on carrion. It is known to pirate food from other birds including Osprey and cormorants. Like many other eagles, it will build large nests in high trees or on sea cliffs. It was also a great treat for me seeing these incredible eagles up close during a boat ride from Hokkaido, Japan.
6. Crowned Eagle
Arguably, one of the most imposing eagles is the Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus). Found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, this spectacular eagle inhabits woodlands, rainforests, and even savannas. Its diet varies across its range, but can consist of primates, rodents, small antelopes, hyraxes, porcupines, small antelopes and other mammals. It also feeds on large birds, large reptiles, and sometimes even carrion. It is a very powerful hunter and defends its nest aggressively, even against humans. The female usually lays two eggs and while both eggs will hatch, the elder nestling will kill its younger sibling just days after hatching.
7. African Fish Eagle
Wings in a perfect “V”, legs outstretched, talons spread wide as the African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer) swoops low over the water to snag a fish close to the surface. It is an impressive sight indeed! This large eagle is found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, close to large bodies of water which it depends on for food. Similar to the Osprey (not a true eagle, and the only species in its family), the African Fish Eagle has barb-like structures on its toes to help it better hold on to slippery fish. Its lovely call is well-known throughout its range. It is the national bird of several different African countries including Namibia and Malawi.
8. Wedge-tailed Eagle
The largest eagle in Australia, the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) is found across the Australian continent and parts of New Guinea. Pairs are generally monagomous, and can reuse their nests year after year. Adding nesting material each breeding season makes their nests big and heavy, with one nest estimated to weigh around 400 kg. Like many raptors, it has quite a varied diet from large to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, oppossums, and young and full-grown kangaroos. They will take reptiles such as monitor lizards, as well as birds, including waterfowl and corvids. It is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.
9. Black-and-White Hawk-Eagle
Apart from our work with Harpy Eagles, many of the Whitehawk team worked together in Belize monitoring Orange-breasted Falcons for The Peregrine Fund. Stationed in the Mountain Pine Ridge, we had the great luck of seeing many different raptor species including Laughing Falcons, Swallow-tailed Kites, and Plumbeous Kites. One of the highlights was having the chance to observe Black-and-White Hawk-Eagles (Spizaetus melanoleucus) around our project site. Found from Mexico down to South America, it inhabits a variety of different habitats including tropical rainforest, deciduous forests, gallery forests, and montane forests. The pair will build a large nest high in the canopy and will generally raise just one young every 1.5 to 2 years.
10. Bald Eagle
Arguably, one of the most recognized eagles in the world, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is native only to North America. In fact, it is the only eagle species whose distribution is limited to that continent. Its range historically covered parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This fishing eagle, naturally, feeds on a lot of fish. But it also hunts small mammals, waterbirds, reptiles, and amphibians, and scavenges on carrion.
A fun fact about this species is that it holds the Guiness World Record for largest known bird nest. A pair in Florida (USA) was using a nest that measured 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) wide and 6 m (20 ft) deep, and weighed an estimated two tonnes (4,409 lbs). It is the national bird of the United States of America. Its population was once down to less than 500 breeding pairs. Thanks so conservation efforts, it has made a incredible recovery and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN – a true conservation success story.
Honorable Mentions
We could have stopped at 10, but there are so many other fantastic eagles around the world, honestly, this list was very difficult to narrow down. So, here are just a few of the other incredible eagles that share this planet with us.
This wide-spread eagle is the national bird of 5 countries including Mexico, Germany, and Kazakhstan.
Found in open habitat such as steppe, and arid shrub lands and grasslands, this migratory species is categorized as Endangered.
Though diurnal, this snake hunter has been seen hunting at night around artificial light sources.
This is one of the most elusive eagles in the Americas, Only a handful of nests have ever been discovered and relatively few observations exist. It is a specialized snake hunter.
This migratory raptor is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN. It nests in large trees and cliff ledges and has a varied diet.
Fairly easy to find across Asia, we have spotted this lovely eagle quite regularly on wildlife safaris in India and Sri Lanka. They too eat a lot of snakes and other reptiles.
Seek out eagles with Whitehawk
Eagles are some of the most imposing birds of prey around. Despite the many things true eagles and sea eagles have in common, the variety among them – from size and shape, to diet and hunting habits, even to their vocalizations and habitat preferences – makes them an endlessly fascinating group of birds. Whether you are interested in a group or a private tour, we would be happy to help you seek out some of the world’s most iconic eagles. Contact us to get started!
References:
Kemp, A. C., G. M. Kirwan, and J. S. Marks (2020). Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.crheag1.01
Orta, J., G. M. Kirwan, D. A. Christie, P. F. D. Boesman, and J. S. Marks (2023). White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), version 1.1. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.whteag.01.1
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., K. Burgos-Andrade, W. Menq, M. Canuto, and R. Berry (2025). Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus), version 2.0. In Birds of the World (J. van Dort and T. S. Schulenberg, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.bawhae1.02
Smith, J. W. (2020). Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.creeag1.01
https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/african-fish-eagle