(Part of the) common name of large species of the subfamilies Accipitrinae (true hawks, including buzzards and eagles), Milvinae (true kites and fish-eagles) and Circaetinae (harrier- and snake- or serpent-eagles) of the family Accipitridae or 'hawks' (Falconiformes, suborder Falcones). For general features of the whole hawk-family, see hawk. Among the true eagles (with a world-wide distribution) one can find the largest and strongest birds-of-prey and the largest of flying birds. They have a wingspread of 1.2 to 2.5 m and weigh from 1 to 7 kg. All are relatively large and aggressive, preying on mammals (also larger ones), birds and reptiles. Some (especially Aquila spp.) eat carrion or rob other predators of their prey. The smallest species are the very active hawk-eagles, while the largest and most powerful is the Harpy Eagle, inhabiting tropical South America. Some genera have feathered tarsi. Snake (or serpent- or harrier-) eagles live principally on snakes and other reptiles , and have specially adapted feet with short, very powerful, rough toes to grasp and hold this kind of prey. When eating snakes, they crush the head first, afterwards swallowing the rest of the body. Their habits are like those of other large eagles; soaring or perching on outstanding trees or rocks for long periods of time. They inhabit open country, forests and bushland. They are Old World species with a mainly African distribution. The Fish eagles of the genera Haliaeetus and Ichthyophaga (subfamily Milvinae) are also very large birds-of-prey living largely on fish, with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. They are called either fish-, sea-, bald- or fishing eagles.

Alternative forms for eagles : Aquila, Circaetus, eagle, Haliaeetus, Hieraaetus, Pandion.