Eagles belong to the Accipitridae family and are large raptors found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting diverse environments like tundras, deserts, and tropical regions. They are known for their impressive hunting skills, sometimes catching prey larger than themselves.
Due to their reputation as formidable hunters, eagles have held symbolic significance for various civilizations throughout history. Eagle imagery appears on flags, currency, and artworks worldwide, and references to these birds can be found in classical literature from different cultures.
What is a Group of Eagles Called?
Eagles are typically solitary birds and don’t gather in flocks with unrelated eagles. However, they form lifelong monogamous pairs and raise their offspring together, a process that can span several years depending on the eagle species.
When people observe groups of eagles together, they are often witnessing a family unit comprising two adults and multiple juveniles. These gatherings of eagles are commonly referred to as a “Convocation” or an “Aerie.”
more specifically, other closely related species of hawks and kites.
- an aerie of eagles
- a brood of eagles
- a colony of eagles
- an eyrie of eagles
- a flock of eagles
- a jubilee of eagles
- a nest of eagles
- a spread of eagles
- a stooping of eagles
- a tower of eagles
What is a Group of Baby Eagles Called?
Eagles prefer to build their nests high up in the tallest and most remote trees. Mated eagle pairs tend to return to the same nesting spot year after year. They usually have just one or occasionally two chicks, and it’s quite rare to see three in a single year.
These gatherings of young eagles are often referred to as either “eaglets” or “nestlings.” Over time, these fledglings mature into adult eagles, a process that takes around three to four years. During this period, they are typically known as “juveniles” and tend to stay close to their nesting area as they grow into adulthood.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect eagle species worldwide. Researchers are working to understand how eagles adapt to changing environments, especially in urban areas. Collaborations between urban planners, landscape developers, and raptor biologists aim to minimize the impact of urbanization on these magnificent birds. There’s also growing interest from the general public in safeguarding eagles, which is gaining the attention of government officials.
Do Eagles Migrate?
Most eagle species are not inherently migratory birds. If they can find enough food and suitable nesting places in their home region, they will stay there and successfully raise their young eaglets each year.
However, some eagle species living in northern areas outside of urban zones do migrate south during the winter. This migration is essential for eagles that hunt for food in bodies of water since many northern waters freeze over in winter, making it impossible to catch fish.
In migrating eagle populations, the young juveniles don’t migrate alongside their parents. Instead, they fly south earlier in search of food sources.
Although eagle migration is not fully understood, researchers across the globe are studying it. They aim to uncover the migration routes and strategies of these birds to protect crucial habitats and wintering areas. Preserving these habitats is vital for the long-term survival of eagle species worldwide.
When do eagles come together in groups?
Eagles typically gather in groups during two main occasions: outside of the breeding season and during migration. However, during the breeding season, you might spot young eagles spending time with adult eagles near their nest for a few weeks after they’ve left the nest. The duration of this period can vary among species but generally lasts a couple of weeks.
During migration, eagles don’t actually cooperate with each other but form large flocks because many of them are heading in the same direction, following similar routes. This behavior allows them to take advantage of the same wind currents and thermals to aid their flight. These groups of migrating eagles can consist of hundreds or even thousands of birds.
During the breeding season, most eagles, like many other bird species, become territorial and aggressive towards other birds. This aggression serves to protect their offspring and their hunting territory.
Golden Eagles, even outside the breeding season, tend to be less sociable and usually only tolerate their mate. On the other hand, species like the Bald Eagle are more tolerant of other bird species and can coexist with them, except when encountering another Bald Eagle, which they do not tolerate. Steller’s Sea Eagles are also known to be quite sociable and sometimes form groups with other eagles.
