RSPB Spotlight: Eagles

Description

Eagles are among the most impressive hunters of the animal world. Their predatory prowess and flying skills have imbued them with a romance and mystique that runs deep in our culture and has elevated them to emblems of freedom and power across the globe. At the same time, however, people have long seen eagles as competitors. Reviled by farmers and gamekeepers as snatchers of livestock, many species have been driven into decline by persecution and disturbance.Two species of eagle occur in Britain - among 60 worldwide - and are the focus of this book. The regal Golden Eagle is the definitive 'true' eagle and occurs in wilderness areas across the northern hemisphere; the even larger White-tailed Eagle, reintroduced to the UK after historic extinction, belongs to the separate 'sea eagles' genus. These two spectacular birds are both very rare - confined largely to the remote Scottish Highlands - and a sighting of either is one of the UK's most exciting and sought-after wildlife experiences.This highly readable study looks separately at both UK eagles, exploring how each is adapted as an apex predator in its own environment, and explores the relationship between the two. Separate chapters cover all aspects of the birds' biology and lifestyle, from defending their vast territories to raising their young. Fascinating secrets are revealed, including the brutal truth behind 'Cain and Abel' syndrome. The book also takes a look at other eagles around the world, placing the two UK species within this broader context. Finally, it examines the complex relationship that humans have enjoyed with eagles since time immemorial, spanning both culture and conservation, and offers expert tips on where and how you can watch these magnificent birds for yourself.The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviours of our favourite animals with eye-catching, colour photography and informative expert text. Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 3 Copyright......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 Meet the Eagles......Page 6 What is an eagle?......Page 7 Girl power: sexual dimorphism in eagles......Page 10 Meet the Golden Eagle......Page 12 Meet the White-tailed Eagle......Page 20 Ancestors and Relatives......Page 28 Eagle giant......Page 31 Eagles in order......Page 32 A world of eagles......Page 40 A View to a Kill......Page 44 Fit for purpose......Page 45 Prey......Page 52 Eagle versus eagle......Page 69 The Next Generation......Page 70 Getting together......Page 71 Nesting......Page 74 Eggs and incubation......Page 77 Hatching and growing......Page 79 Off and away......Page 82 Wandering......Page 83 A long life......Page 85 Threats and Enemies......Page 86 Natural dangers......Page 87 Perils from people......Page 90 Eagles in Culture......Page 100 Pride, power and politics......Page 101 Myth and religion......Page 103 Eagles in falconry......Page 107 Understanding, Protecting and Enjoying Eagles......Page 114 Finding out......Page 115 Eagle conservation......Page 117 Bringing eagles back home......Page 119 Watching Eagles......Page 121 Glossary......Page 126 Further Reading and Resources......Page 127 Acknowledgements......Page 128 Image Credits......Page 129 Index......Page 130