eagle

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Any of several genera of large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, order Falconiformes, including the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos of Eurasia and North America, which has a 2 m/6 ft wingspan. Eagles occur worldwide, usually building eyries or nests in forests or mountains, and all are fierce and powerful birds of prey. The harpy eagle is the largest eagle.

The white-headed bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus is the symbol of the USA; rendered infertile through the ingestion of agricultural chemicals, it is now rare, except in Alaska.

Another endangered species is the Philippine eagle, sometimes called the Philippine monkey-eating eagle (although its main prey is the flying lemur). Loss of large tracts of forest, coupled with hunting by humans, have greatly reduced its numbers.

The stars are said to represent Syria and Iraq. Red, white, black, and green are the pan-Arab colours. Effective date: 29 March 1980. >>