<P> Most of the 60 species of eagles are from Eurasia and Africa . Outside this area, just 14 species can be found--two in North America, nine in Central and South America, and three in Australia . </P> <P> Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with heavy heads and beaks . Even the smallest eagles, such as the booted eagle (Aquila pennata), which is comparable in size to a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) or red - tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis), have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight--despite the reduced size of aerodynamic feathers . Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from some vultures . The smallest species of eagle is the South Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi), at 450 g (0.99 lb) and 40 cm (16 in). The largest species are discussed below . Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large, hooked beaks for ripping flesh from their prey, strong, muscular legs, and powerful talons . The beak is typically heavier than that of most other birds of prey . Eagles' eyes are extremely powerful, having up to 3.6 times human acuity for the martial eagle, which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance . This keen eyesight is primarily attributed to their extremely large pupils which ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light . The female of all known species of eagles is larger than the male . </P> <P> Eagles normally build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs . Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched . The dominant chick tends to be a female, as they are bigger than the male . The parents take no action to stop the killing . </P> <P> Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world . The type of prey varies by genus . The Haliaeetus and Ichthyophaga eagles prefer to capture fish, though the species in the former often capture various animals, especially other water birds, and are powerful kleptoparasites of other birds . The snake and serpent eagles of the genera Circaetus, Terathopius, and Spilornis predominantly prey on the great diversity of snakes found in the tropics of Africa and Asia . The eagles of the genus Aquila are often the top birds of prey in open habitats, taking almost any medium - sized vertebrate they can catch . Where Aquila eagles are absent, other eagles, such as the buteonine black - chested buzzard - eagle of South America, may assume the position of top raptorial predator in open areas . Many other eagles, including the species - rich Spizaetus genus, live predominantly in woodlands and forest . These eagles often target various arboreal or ground - dwelling mammals and birds, which are often unsuspectingly ambushed in such dense, knotty environments . Hunting techniques differ among the species and genera, with some individual eagles having engaged in quite varied techniques based their environment and prey at any given time . Most eagles grab prey without landing and take flight with it, so the prey can be carried to a perch and torn apart . </P>

What is another name for an eagles nest