Eagles

Eagles are large birds of prey and their fictional representations thereof. Scientifically they're usually characterized as belonging in Accipitridae, a group filled with hawk-like birds. However not all members of this family are eagles. Rather this word defines the particularly large ones, The word "eagle" makes it to be a different animal than other similar looking raptors like falcons and hawks. Thus it functions like rat and mouse, or frog and toad. Though I would say that since eagles are more regal, it feels a little bit more seperate to me, though their looks and personalities are so similiar that they might as well be hawks.
The English word "eagle" is known to be derived from Proto-Indo-European's "*h₃érō" and has other words that helped shape it into what it is now, such as Latin's "aquila". 
Eagles have been popular throughout the world, impressing most cultures wherever they are. The white-tailed eagle and golden eagle have impressed Eurasians for thousands of years. As some Eurasians migrated into North America, the Bald Eagle became incredibly important, completely replacing the memory of its relative the white tailed eagle (which looks very similar to it and even has a white head as well). Eagles have a fearsome, noble reputation, and in a way they are similar to lions. For more information on eagles, it is best to check out the pages of the individual species. 
In the past eagles were quite larger, capable of preying on humans and other large creatures. In New Zealand history they are an important part of their fossil record, and used to be the sole predator of the moa before humans arrived.
Category:Eagles
Category:Birds of Prey
Category:Accipitridae
Category:Animals important to American children