What is Eagle and Albatross?

American Gold Eagle

The American Gold Eagle is a popular coin minted by the US Mint. It was first introduced in 1986 and has a diameter of 32.7 mm and a weight of 33.93 grams. With a purity of 91.67%, it is a reliable investment for those interested in gold. The coin features an image of a bald eagle and is available in multiple denominations. (Factual reference: US Mint)

White-tailed Eagle

The White-tailed Eagle, or Haliaeetus albicilla, is a bird of prey found in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Its population currently stands at around 9,800 individuals, and it is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These eagles have a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and are known for their powerful talons and hooked beaks. In recent years, conservation efforts have helped to increase the White-tailed Eagle’s numbers in some areas, including Scotland, where the population has grown from just a handful of birds in the 1970s to over 130 breeding pairs today.

 

Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle is a large, powerful bird of prey found in tropical lowland rainforests of Central and South America. With a wingspan of up to 224 cm (88 in), it is considered one of the largest eagles in the world. Its diet consists of a variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, and reptiles. Unfortunately, the Harpy Eagle is classified as Near Threatened with a population of less than 50,000 individuals due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

(Source: IUCN Red List)

Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is a powerful bird of prey found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and can weigh up to 15 pounds. Golden Eagles typically feed on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, but have been known to take down larger animals such as deer and coyotes. These birds are considered a protected species in many areas due to habitat loss and human interference. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Golden Eagle as a species of “Least Concern” for extinction, with a stable population trend.

 

African Fish Eagle

The African Fish Eagle and Albatross are two avian species that inspire awe with their magnificent wingspans. The African Fish Eagle is found near lakes, rivers, and coasts in sub-Saharan Africa. With a wingspan ranging from 2.1 to 2.4 meters, this bird of prey is known for its distinctive call and its ability to snatch fish from the water with its sharp talons. However, the population status of the African Fish Eagle is unknown. On the other hand, the Albatross is a seabird that ranges across the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean. It has a wingspan of 3.3 to 3.7 meters and is known for its ability to travel vast distances. Unfortunately, the population of Albatross is declining due to habitat degradation and overfishing.

Philippine Eagle

The Philippine Eagle, also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, is a critically endangered species with an estimated population of only 400 pairs left in the wild. This eagle is often referred to as one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world due to its impressive wingspan of 6.7 to 7.5 feet and weight of 7 to 14 pounds. It is endemic to the Philippines and can only be found on four major islands in the country. The Philippine Eagle is considered a keystone species as it helps regulate the balance of its ecosystem by controlling populations of its prey. The species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are being made to protect this eagle and its habitat to prevent it from becoming extinct.^[1]

^[1] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2021). Pithecophaga jefferyi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696029/131971252

 

Steller’s Sea Eagle

Steller’s Sea Eagle, also known as the Pacific eagle, is a large bird of prey found in coastal regions and inland rivers of Russia, Japan, and Korea. The species has a wingspan of 6.5 – 8 feet and a population range of approximately 5,000. Steller’s Sea Eagle primarily feed on fish, but will also eat birds and mammals when necessary. The habitat of these eagles is often protected as they are considered an endangered species. Steller’s Sea Eagle is a sought-after sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike due to its rarity and majestic appearance.

(Factual references: WWF, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

Steppe Eagle

The Steppe Eagle, scientifically known as Aquila nipalensis, is a large bird of prey found in open plains, grasslands, steppes, and deserts. It has a wingspan of 6-7 feet and a weight of 6.6-13.8 pounds. These eagles are known to migrate and typically travel over a distance of 3,000-5,000 kilometers. Steppe Eagles are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting. The Steppe Eagle is an important predator in their ecosystem and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

 

Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America, with a scientific name of Haliaeetus leucocephalus. This majestic creature is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Despite facing a decline in population due to habitat loss and hunting, the conservation efforts have successfully led to an increasing trend in the Bald Eagle population over the years. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Bald Eagle is currently classified as under the least concern for conservation status.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

The Wedge-tailed Eagle, also known as the Eaglehawk, is the largest bird of prey in Australia, and one of the tallest eagles in the world. With a wingspan of up to 2.7 meters, it is a majestic and powerful creature. Wedge-tailed Eagles are found throughout Australia, and can be spotted in a wide variety of habitats. They are carnivorous and feed on a range of prey including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Despite their size, they are skilled fliers and are able to soar for hours without flapping their wings. The Wedge-tailed Eagle population is estimated to be up to 200,000 individuals and is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status.

 

Albatross Cove

Albatross Cove is a place that Albatross and Eagle can be found. The Eagle has a wingspan of 6-7.5 feet and weighs 2.5-15 pounds, while the Albatross has a wingspan of 6-11 feet and weighs 8-25 pounds. The lifespan of an Eagle is 15-20 years, while the Albatross can live up to 50 years. (Sources: nationalgeographic.com, audubon.org, albatrosscanada.com)

Albatross Island

The Albatross Island is a habitat for two of the largest seabirds known as the Eagle and Albatross. Both have a wingspan of over 6 feet and are known to be excellent fliers, with the Eagle being able to fly at 120 miles per hour. These birds are not only fascinating to observe but are also important indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. Albatross Island is a crucial environment for these birds as it provides a safe haven for breeding and nesting. According to a study, the Albatross population has declined by 66% due to various factors such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction. By preserving the Albatross Island, we can ensure the survival of these remarkable birds and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems.

 

Laysan Albatross

The Laysan Albatross, also known as the “Gooney Bird”, is a large seabird with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet. The bird is known for their unique mating and nesting behavior, with 11 main nesting sites located across the North Pacific Ocean. The global population of Laysan Albatross is currently estimated at 1.4 million individuals. Despite being vulnerable to bycatch, the species is not currently listed as endangered. Laysan Albatross are a valuable part of ocean ecosystems and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Black-browed Albatross

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) is a seabird species that inhabits the Southern Ocean. With an estimated population of around 1.4 million individuals, this species is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List. Black-browed Albatross is a long-lived species that can reach up to 40 years of age. They are known for their impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, which allows them to fly thousands of kilometers across the ocean.

This species of albatross is important for both ecological and economic reasons. They are top predators in their ecosystem and help maintain the balance of marine food webs. Additionally, they are a popular attraction for ecotourism in southern South America.

References:
– BirdLife International. (2019). Thalassarche melanophris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22728828A132608517.
– Masello, J. F., Mundry, R., Poisbleau, M., Demongin, L., Dunn, J. C., & Quillfeldt, P. (2018). Penguins and albatrosses as sentinels for ecosystem conservation in the southern ocean. Ecological Indicators, 89, 455-463.

 

Grey-headed Albatross

Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma) is a species of albatross native to the Southern Ocean. It has a wingspan of 200-265 cm and weighs between 2.5-4.6 kg. The species is classified as Near Threatened due to its declining population caused by threats such as fishing activity and introduced predators. These albatrosses are known for their remarkable ability to fly long distances without flapping their wings, making them excellent at foraging for food in the open ocean.

Northern Royal Albatross

The Northern Royal Albatross, also known as the Diomedea sanfordi, is a type of albatross known for its impressive wingspan of 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). These majestic birds can weigh anywhere from 8 to 24 pounds (3.6-10.9 kg) and have an average lifespan of 40-60 years. They call the New Zealand sub-antarctic islands their home, where they mate for life and only breed every other year. The Northern Royal Albatross is a critically endangered species, with only around 17,000 individuals left in the world. Their conservation is important for the health of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. [Source: Department of Conservation New Zealand]

 

Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross is a large seabird belonging to the albatross family. Scientifically known as Diomedea exulans, it has a wingspan of 2.5-3.5 meters and can weigh between 6-12 kg. They have an unusually long lifespan of up to 50 years. Wandering Albatross can travel vast distances without stopping and are skilled at using the wind to their advantage. These birds are an important part of the ecosystem, promoting a healthy ocean ecosystem by distributing vital nutrients. The Wandering Albatross is considered a vulnerable species, with a declining global population. Factual reference: (BirdLife International, 2021).

Sooty Albatross

Sooty Albatross is a species of albatross that belongs to the family of Diomedeidae, which includes the largest flying birds in the world. They are known for their dark sooty coloring and are one of the smallest species of albatross. Sooty Albatross can be found throughout the southern oceans, and they feed on small fish, squid, and krill. These birds have a lifespan of around 40 years and can travel thousands of miles during their annual migrations. Sooty Albatross population is estimated to be around 42,000 mating pairs, and they are considered to be a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution. [Reference: BirdLife International]

 

Yellow-nosed Albatross

Yellow-nosed albatrosses are a type of seabird from the albatross family. They have a wingspan of 6-7 feet and can live for over 40 years. These birds typically weigh between 5-11 pounds and have a diet consisting of small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Yellow-nosed albatrosses are known for their long migrations and their ability to fly long distances without flapping their wings. They are threatened by the impact of commercial fishing practices on their food sources.

Short-tailed Albatross

The Short-tailed Albatross, also known as the Steller’s albatross, is a large seabird that is native to the North Pacific. Currently, there are an estimated 2,400-2,700 breeding pairs of this species. They have a wingspan of 7-8 feet and weigh between 5.5-8.5 pounds. Since the 1920s, the population of Short-tailed Albatross has been threatened due to hunting, habitat loss, and other human activities. However, conservation efforts have led to a rebound in the population. The Short-tailed Albatross is now classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).