Eagle

MFA Acc. #: 1991.948

Description

Any of several large birds of prey from the family Accipitridae native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Eagles have hooked beaks, sharp eyes, strong talons, feathered heads, and wing spans up to a meter in length. Long revered as a symbol of power and war since ancient times, eagle feathers have been used in ceremonial artifacts, necklaces, and headdresses.

Synonyms and Related Terms

eagle feather; bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Additional Images

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  Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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  Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

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  Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Authority

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Eagle." Encyclopdia Britannica. 18 Aug. 2004 .