The Most Popular Type of Eagle, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:52
Eagles, with their majestic flight and sharp eyesight, capture the admiration of wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers across the globe. However, with so many species soaring through different habitats and exhibiting unique behaviors, it becomes a challenge to gauge which type captures the public's favor the most. A ranking system provides a clear and dynamic insight into popular opinion, helping to highlight those species that captivate people's imaginations the most. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a broader understanding of which eagle species stands out in public perception. This not only fosters a community of informed and engaged enthusiasts but also enhances awareness and appreciation of these powerful birds of prey. As the votes come in, the list evolves, reflecting current trends and shifting interests within the community of eagle observers and admirers.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Eagle?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    The bald eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States and is also the most widely recognized eagle in North America. It's known for its white head and tail feathers, as well as its impressive wingspan.
    The Bald Eagle is a majestic bird of prey known for its striking appearance and impressive abilities. It is a large raptor with a white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body. The beak and feet are bright yellow. This iconic bird is native to North America and holds significant cultural and symbolic value in the United States.
    • Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
    • Wingspan: 1.8 to 2.3 meters
    • Body Length: 70 to 102 centimeters
    • Weight: 4 to 7 kilograms
    • Plumage: Dark brown body, white head and tail
    Bald Eagle in other rankings
  2. 2
    32
    votes
    The golden eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world and is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. It's known for its striking golden-brown plumage and impressive hunting skills.
    The Golden Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey widely known for its striking beauty and prowess in the sky. With its majestic appearance and powerful capabilities, it captivates the hearts of nature enthusiasts and bird lovers alike. Its regal plumage, characterized by rich golden-brown feathers on its head and neck, earned it the name 'Golden' Eagle.
    • Scientific Name: Aquila chrysaetos
    • Wingspan: 6.5 to 7.5 feet (1.98 to 2.29 meters)
    • Weight: 9 to 15 pounds (4.08 to 6.80 kilograms)
    • Habitat: Mountainous regions, open landscapes, and cliffs
    • Distribution: North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
    Golden Eagle in other rankings
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    Harpy Eagle
    http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0
    The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world and is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It's known for its distinctive crest of feathers and powerful talons.
    The Harpy Eagle is a majestic and powerful bird of prey found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It is often considered as one of the most beautiful and largest eagles on the planet.
    • Size: Up to 3.5 feet (1 meter) tall
    • Wingspan: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
    • Weight: 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms)
    • Appearance: Distinctive grey upperparts, black chest and belly, white underside, bold crest of black feathers
    • Beak: Massive, hooked, and yellowish in color
    Harpy Eagle in other rankings
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    African Fish Eagle
    Mehmet Karatay · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The African fish eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and is known for its distinctive white head and tail feathers. It's also known for its impressive hunting skills and ability to catch fish from the water.
    The African Fish Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is best known for its striking appearance and impressive hunting skills. The creator of the African Fish Eagle is Mother Nature, as it is a product of natural evolution. It is also worth noting that it has become a significant symbol in various African cultures and is often associated with rivers, lakes, and fishing.
    • Scientific Name: Haliaeetus vocifer
    • Size: Wingspan around 2 meters (6.5 feet)
    • Weight: Average weight between 2.5 to 3 kilograms (5.5 to 6.6 pounds)
    • Physical Appearance: Distinctive white head and chest, brown wings and back, yellow beak, and piercing yellow eyes
    • Feathers: White underparts and dark brown upperparts
    African Fish Eagle in other rankings
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    The martial eagle is one of the largest eagles in the world and is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It's known for its impressive size and powerful talons, which allow it to hunt prey as large as antelopes and small monkeys.
    The Martial Eagle is a large and powerful bird of prey known for its distinct appearance and hunting prowess. With a wingspan of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) and a weight of around 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms), it is one of the largest and heaviest eagles in Africa. The adult Martial Eagle has a dark brown plumage with white patches on its body, and a prominent crest on its head. Its sharp beak and talons are well-adapted for catching and killing its prey.
    • Average Wingspan: 8 - 9 feet (2.4 - 2.7 meters)
    • Average Weight: 12 - 14 pounds (5.4 - 6.3 kilograms)
    • Lifespan: Up to 14 years in the wild
    • Habitat: Savannahs, open woodlands, and grasslands
    • Geographical Range: Sub-Saharan Africa
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    White-tailed Eagle
    Original: Andreas Weith. This edit: MPF. · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The white-tailed eagle is found in Europe and Asia and is known for its distinctive white tail feathers. It's also known for its impressive size and hunting skills, which include catching fish from the water.
    The White-tailed Eagle, also known as the Sea Eagle or the Erne, is a large bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and recognizable eagles in the world. With its striking appearance and impressive size, the White-tailed Eagle has captivated the attention of bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
    • Scientific Name: Haliaeetus albicilla
    • Wingspan: In average, ranges from 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters)
    • Length: Around 2.3 to 3.2 feet (70 to 98 centimeters)
    • Weight: Generally between 6 and 14 pounds (2.7 and 6.3 kilograms)
    • Coloration: Adults have a distinctive white-colored tail which gives the species its name. The rest of the plumage is typically brown or gray.
  7. 7
    14
    votes

    Steller's Sea Eagle

    Georg Wilhelm Steller
    The Steller's sea eagle is found in northeast Asia, particularly in Russia and Japan. It's known for its impressive size and striking black-and-white plumage. It's also known for its hunting skills, which include catching fish from the water.
    Steller's Sea Eagle is a large and powerful bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is named after the German naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who discovered it during an expedition to Kamchatka in the 18th century. This majestic eagle is primarily found in northeastern Russia, particularly in the coastal areas of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kamchatka Peninsula.
    • Size: Length: 85-105 cm, Wingspan: 195-235 cm
    • Weight: Adults: 5-9 kg, Females are larger
    • Appearance: Adults: Mostly dark brown plumage, White head and neck, Bright yellow beak, Yellow talons
    • Diet: Primary diet consists of fish, particularly salmon, but also feeds on waterfowl and small mammals
    • Habitat: Coastal regions, including sea coasts, bays, estuaries, and river mouths
  8. 8
    24
    votes

    Philippine Eagle

    Juan G. Ledesma
    The Philippine eagle is found only in the Philippines and is known for its distinctive crest of feathers and powerful talons. It's also one of the largest eagles in the world and is considered a national bird of the Philippines.
    The Philippine Eagle is a large and majestic bird known for its striking appearance and exceptional hunting skills. It is also referred to as the Monkey-eating Eagle due to its diet primarily consisting of monkeys and other small mammals. With its unique features and status as one of the rarest and largest eagles in the world, it holds great importance in Philippine culture and conservation efforts.
    • Size: One of the largest eagle species, measuring up to 3.35 feet (102 centimeters) in length.
    • Weight: Can weigh up to 17.6 pounds (8 kilograms).
    • Wingspan: Possesses an impressive wingspan ranging from 6.7 to 7.4 feet (2 to 2.2 meters).
    • Coloration: Distinctive brown and white plumage, with its iconic shaggy crest and piercing blue-gray eyes.
    • Habitat: Endemic to the Philippines, primarily inhabiting tropical rainforests.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Crested Serpent Eagle
    Yathin S Krishnappa · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The crested serpent eagle is found in South and Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctive crest of feathers and hunting skills, which include catching snakes and lizards. It's also considered a symbol of courage in some cultures.
    The Crested Serpent Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is commonly found in South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting forests, wooded areas, and sometimes open country. The name 'Crested Serpent Eagle' is derived from its distinctive crest and its preferred prey, which includes snakes and reptiles.
    • Size: Length: 55-75 cm, Wingspan: 115-140 cm
    • Weight: 800-1,300 grams
    • Coloration: Dark brown upperparts, pale underparts with fine barring, distinct crest on the head, yellow eyes
    • Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and open country
    • Range: South and Southeast Asia
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    The booted eagle is found in Europe and Asia and is known for its distinctive feathered legs or "boots." It's also known for its impressive hunting skills, which include catching small mammals and birds.
    The Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) is a medium-sized bird of prey characterized by its distinctive appearance and behavior. It is widely known for its ability to adapt to various habitats, making it one of the most successful and popular types of eagles around the world.
    • Size: The Booted Eagle has a wingspan of 120-150 cm (47-59 inches) and a body length of 45-55 cm (18-22 inches).
    • Weight: On average, these eagles weigh between 700-1,100 grams (1.5-2.4 pounds).
    • Coloration: Adult Booted Eagles have a dark brown plumage on their upper parts, while their underparts vary from light cream to pale brown with streaks or spots.
    • Distinct Features: This eagle is particularly recognized for its feathered legs, or 'boots,' which extend down to its talons, giving it its name.
    • Habitat: Booted Eagles are commonly found in open woodlands, forests, maquis, and savannahs across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

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Ranking factors for popular type

  1. Geographic distribution
    The popularity of eagles will be influenced by the regions where they are found and their accessibility to people. For example, the Bald Eagle is a well-known and popular eagle in North America.
  2. Cultural significance
    Popularity can be influenced by eagles' significance in particular cultures or traditions. For example, the Philippine Eagle is the national bird of the Philippines and holds a special place in the country's culture and history.
  3. Conservation status
    The conservation status of eagles can influence their popularity, with those that are more threatened or endangered being more of a priority for conservation efforts and public awareness. For example, the critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle, which is one of the rarest eagles in the world, may be gaining in popularity as people become more aware of its plight.
  4. Public awareness
    Finally, the overall public awareness and familiarity with a particular eagle species can influence its popularity. For example, the Golden Eagle is a popular and well-known species throughout much of its range, in part due to its frequent depictions in popular culture.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of eagle. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2340 views
  • 203 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular type of eagle

Eagles are majestic birds of prey, known for their sharp talons and powerful wings. There are over 60 species of eagles found all over the world, with the largest being the Harpy Eagle and the smallest being the South Nicobar Serpent Eagle. Many of these species are endangered, making it even more important to appreciate and protect them. But which type of eagle is the most popular? Let's take a look at the top contenders and find out.

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