There are more than 60 variants of eagles across the globe, and most of them prefer living in solitary. However, some of the eagles are social and found in groups, particularly during the breeding season.
So, let’s get to understand both these behaviors and why eagles gather in groups.
Do Eagles Gather in Groups?
Yes, some eagles gather in groups but in most cases, they are found to be solitary creatures and pair up only during mating. Eagles are seen to flock together during winter when the temperature drops dramatically. To protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions, they group and seek shelter. They form a group so that the cold wind does not reach them easily and it would obviously reduce the wind chill.
Eagles are seen to huddle together to share the body heat and stay warm even during the cold weather. They also form groups to roost in a coniferous tree and spend the night, as it helps them to stay safe and secure from the nocturnal predators. This is a common behavior among birds, as the greater number of birds flocking together, the stronger they are if any predator attacks.
Eagles also help each other to find food, as gathering together helps to reduce energy expenditure when compared to hunting alone. Bald eagles are one of those eagle variants that prefer communal roosts during winter
Do Eagles Hunt in Groups?
Yes. Eagles are known for their art of silent attack and while hunting in groups, one bird flushes out prey towards the other eagles, and the prey won’t be able to escape but this collaboration is rare. Usually, the adult eagles hunt and kill their prey, but the juvenile ones tend to steal the food.
They also employ a hunting strategy called flushing while attacking prey in groups. Based on this strategy, the group of eagles are seen to fly low or hover over an area. This causes an alert and panic among the prey and they try to flee. The eagles take this opportunity and swoop down to capture the prey individually. Being in groups, they get to cover a large hunting area and it also enhances the chance of catching the prey.
Do Eagles Fly in Groups?
Yes, some eagles fly in groups and this also helps them to stay protected from predators or for communal roosting. It also helps them to withstand strong air currents and pressure.
However, most eagles find it easy to fly alone and their inherent abilities protect them from any threat. They have excellent vision, which allows them to see long distances and detect a predator and they can also use their sharp talons as a defense mechanism.
When eagles fly in groups, it is indeed a breathtaking view where they form a V shape, similar to geese and swans. The advantage of this shape is that the lead eagle does not have to struggle with the air current, and it reduces the amount of energy spent while flying.
The eagles are seen to coordinate and adjust their position along with the wing beats so that they can maintain an optimal flying formation. This coordination ensures that they maintain maximum efficiency and minimize turbulence, especially when they are traveling long distances or flying through challenging weather and climatic conditions.
Key Benefits of Eagles Flying Together
Here are the benefits achieved by eagles when they form a group:
- Flying in groups increases hunting success as they can work actively and effectively. They get to cover larger areas and the prey can be spotted easily.
- Being in groups also keeps the eagle safe and protects them from predators or any other potential threat. They can reduce the risk of being attacked as predators would not approach them, then they fly in flocks, creating a stronger defense mechanism
- Eagles can warn each other about dangers or risks, while approaching any spot or while flying together. This allows the entire group to take immediate action so that they can avoid harm.
- When flying together, eagles get to conserve energy and use it efficiently. They get to take advantage of air currents and also reduce the air resistance by flying in a V shape. When traveling long distances, every eagle can take responsibility for leading, allowing them to rest and explore new territories without exhaustion.
- During the breeding season, when they fly together, they get to establish the pair and also defend the territories. They also get the chance to fight the intruders from nesting sites, creating a safe and suitable environment for the offspring.
- When the eagles fly together they can capture the prime perching spots and this would maximize the chances of finding food, even during harsh weather conditions.
What Do Eagles Symbolize?
If you see a group of eagles in your dreams or spot eagles in real life, it is marked as a symbol of wish fulfillment, accomplishment of goals, evolution in any sector of life, and opportunity for growth. Eagles are known to be a symbol of encouragement and an inspiration to push yourself to go beyond the limit. Also, spotting an eagle perched high up on a tree is a sign of good fortune. They are also foresighted as a symbol of loyalty, devotion, honor, truth, and hope.
How Do Eagles Communicate in Groups?
Eagles communicate with the other group mates through various signals and vocalizations. They even show either dominance or submission to other eagles by displaying their wingspan. The visual cues are meant to indicate that they are in a hierarchical position and an order should be maintained. Eagles also make different calls, which include high-pitched screams and melodious whistles, and are meant to warn about threats or predators nearby or any other groups. They also maintain communication during hunting activities to coordinate and catch the prey.
Do Eagles Have a Community?
No, eagles do not have a community, rather they often form groups based on the situation and necessity. Eagles are often seen forming groups but it requires proper reason, for example – they are attacking large prey which requires a group of six to seven eagles to carry out the attack and defeat it. This would also reduce the threat of being attacked and their work is easily accomplished by spending less energy.
