Book 11, Question 89
Why Do Eagles Have Talons?
Eagles have talons because those strong, curved claws are perfect for catching food! An eagle's feet work like a pair of powerful hands. Once the toes lock on, the grip is hard to break.
More fun facts
- Eagles have powerful feet with large talons for catching prey.
- A bald eagle's razor sharp talons can carry prey weighing about 3.5 to 6 kilograms (8 to 13 pounds).
- Talons can puncture both skin and scales.
- After catching a meal, an eagle uses the sharp edges of its curved beak to slice it.
- Bald eagles can have a wingspan of more than 2 meters (6.5 feet).
- In courtship, two eagles may lock talons and spin downward, letting go just before the ground.
Sources: National Geographic, Smithsonian, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
What are talons?
The large, sharp claws on a bird of prey's feet.