Eagle

A large bird of prey, known for large wingspan and keen eyesight. The golden eagle is found in Europe, Asia and North America. Various sea-eagles are also found in Europe. Eagles were used by the upper nobility for falconry.

The eagle was the symbol of Imperial Rome, and appeared on a lot of royal heraldry in Central and Eastern Europe, much as the lion was used in Western Europe. It is normally blazoned displayed, having its wings spread and its head to the side.

The eagle was also commonly used as the Christian symbol for St John the Evangelist, one of Jesus Christ's disciples. This can be seen in many locations, including stained-glass windows and illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Hours or the Book of Kells.

See Also:

• The Eagle according to Maplet's A Greene Forest