Eagles are popular arboreal carnivores compared to other bird species and can be found anywhere in the world.
Because of their unique characteristics, many countries have recognized them as symbols of strength, unity, and pride.
Eagles are also renowned for their flight speed. While they are swift birds, they are not the fastest birds in the world, but they top the ranks as one of the fastest.
But how fast can an eagle fly? Read on to discover the impressive flight speeds of some of the fastest eagles species and some interesting facts about them.
How Fast Can an Eagle Fly?
There are at least 60 species of eagles currently, with the majority ranging in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Eagles are fascinating animals and great hunters with a flight speed of about 60 to 150 mph. With their fast flight, sharp talons, and strong feet, they can grab unsuspecting prey off the ground and fly for over 50 miles, still holding onto their prey.
How High Can an Eagle Fly?
Eagles fly high above the ground; their altitudes depend on the species, wind currents, orographic updrafts, and thermal updrafts.
Some people believe that eagles can fly higher than planes, but that is wrong.
The bald eagle has proven to be the highest-flying eagle species in the world, reaching a height of 20,000 feet above sea level.
Planes fly at least 36,000 feet above the ground, and except for the peregrine falcon and Ruppel’s griffon vulture, no animal has been able to beat that record.
Top 5 Fastest Eagle Flight Speeds
1. Golden Eagle
- Flight speed: 150 mph (avg.)
- Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos
- Size: Length: 66 – 100 cm; Mass: 3.6 – 6.7 kg (Female), 2.8 – 4.6 kg (Male)
- Where found: North America
The Golden eagle is undoubtedly the fastest eagle in the world and the second-fastest bird, with a record flight speed of 150 mph and can even go faster.
They hunt by diving into their prey and attacking them swiftly. Their speed is their greatest advantage when it comes to hunting and survival.
2. Crowned Eagle
- Flight speed: 100 mph (avg.)
- Scientific name: Stephanoaetus coronatus
- Size: Length: 80 – 99 cm; Mass: 3.2 – 4.7 kg (Female), 2.6 – 4.1 kg (Male)
- Where found: Africa
Crowned eagles are the second-fastest and can fly as fast as 100 mph. They are also the biggest raptor in sub-Saharan Africa.
It has a reputation for feeding on sloths and monkeys and is often an excellent hunter.
The female crowned eagles, which are larger, go out to hunt and take on bigger prey, while the males take on smaller prey whenever they hunt.
3. Bald Eagle
- Flight speed: 99 mph (avg.)
- Scientific name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Size: Length: 70 – 102 cm; Mass: 3.8 – 7.9 kg (Female), 3 – 6.3 kg (Male)
- Where found: North America
Bald eagles aren’t bald in the sense that you think of it. The old English word “balde,” meaning “white,” is where their name comes from because of the color of their head and tails.
Bald eagles can fly as fast as 99 mph, and thus, they are very skilled hunters.
However, despite their excellent hunting skills, these eagles do not often hunt their food. They prefer to steal food from other animals or scavenge for food instead.
4. Harpy Eagle
- Flight speed: 50 mph (avg.)
- Scientific name: Harpia harpyja
- Size: Length: 99 cm; Mass: 6 – 9 kg (Female), 4 – 5 kg (Male)
- Where found: South America, most especially the Amazonian forest, Brazil.
The harpy eagle is among the world’s largest eagles and can fly up to 50 mph without stopping. They are not just fast but are also skillful when it comes to hunting.
Their feet are strong enough to grab unsuspecting prey, while their wings are wide enough to keep them soaring high above the ground to make it back to their nest, usually on cliffs and high mountains.
5. Wedge-tailed Eagle
- Flight speed: 50 mph (avg.)
- Scientific name: Aquila audax
- Size: Length: 100 – 120 cm; Mass: 4.2 to 5.3 kg (Female); 3.2 – 4 kg (Male)
- Where found: Australia
The wedge-tailed eagle flies just as fast as the harpy eagle. With an average speed of 50 mph, they make excellent hunters too.
These birds are the biggest and rarest eagle species in Australia. However, animal specialists and researchers do not have enough information about this eagle because they are not common.
Interesting Facts About Eagles
They have good eyesight
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard of the term “eagle’s eye.” Humans coined that term because of how good their eyes are.
These bird species can see eight times better than human beings. Eagles see as good as owls during the day, but their eyesight starts to weaken once the sun sets.
They can fly in the rain and during a storm
The eagle can fly in the rain, but there’s a twist; they can get blown off by the wind if they’re not careful.
Flying for hours under the rain requires skill and strength, which these predatory birds have. During storms, they can also fly to safety for hours amid the chaos.
They have a firm grip
If you think humans have a firm grip on things when they hold them, wait until you see an eagle grip something. Their legs are strong and tend to use all their strength to grip and hold onto things.
For instance, when they hunt, they wait around for the animal to be less alert, and upon sensing an opening, they swoop down and grip the animal alive.
While in the air, nothing would make them ever lose their grip and drop that animal, no matter how much they struggle.
They can carry weights up to 7kg
Eagles are known to hunt animals that are quite bigger than them. They prey on animals like small antelopes, monkeys, sloths, foxes, and even coyotes. Most of these animals weigh at least 7kg.
However, eagles carry them with their feet and fly for miles until they reach their nests. This feat is possible because the average eagle’s feet are powerful and can carry weights much heavier than they are.
Related Questions
How fast does an eagle dive?
Eagles are fast divers. They dive at an average speed of 200 mph, which is second only to the peregrine falcon’s speed. It is no wonder why they’re very skilled hunters.
Typically, they soar above ground level and only dive when they find an animal they can prey on.
Which is faster, eagle or hawk?
Eagles and hawks are similar in appearance, traits, and even abilities. They share similar sizes and wingspans, prey on almost the same types of animals, and fly very fast.
However, eagles fly faster than hawks. On average, hawks can only achieve a flight speed of 120 mph, while the former can reach 150 mph.
Which is faster, falcon or eagle?
Falcons are naturally faster than eagles. Falcons are the world’s fastest birds and have a record of flying speeds of 240 mph, while the eagle’s flight speed maxes around 200 mph.
What is the fastest flying bird?
Peregrine falcons are the world’s fastest flying birds. They are known to have a record of flying as fast as 240 mph.
The peregrine falcon is carnivorous and is one of the big birds. It ranges in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Wrap Up
With a speed of over 150 mph, eagles are among the fastest flying birds in the world.
Aside from their incredible speed, they are also excellent hunters and can hold prey three times their size, thanks to their sturdy and powerful feet.
All these attributes make the eagle a fascinating bird to study.
Featured Image Credit: H_Yasui / Getty Images
