Eagle wings have several adaptations for the eagle's fishing life.
Shape: Long, broad wings like an
eagle's take a lot of energy to flap, but are wonderful for riding
effortlessly on thermals. Like all birds, eagles must minimize the energy
they need for flight over long distances.
"Fingers" or slotted
primaries: This provides more lift with less weight--important for birds
that ride thermals
Size: Eagle wings are big enough to
carry the weight of the eagle PLUS the weight of a fairly large fish. And if
the fish is too heavy to pull out of the water, the eagle can use its long
wings to paddle to shore!
Color: The pigment that makes
an eagle's wing feathers black also makes those feathers stronger, which is
important when feathers hit the water while fishing and when flying.
