Page 69 - Reading Success B2

One of the largest birds in the world is the eagle. The name of this bird is taken
from the Latin word, ‘aquila’, which means dark- hued or dark-skinned, referring

to an eagle’s plumage. In Old English, the eagle is called ‘earn’, derived from the
Greek word ‘arnos’, meaning bird. Different types of eagles can be found in

different regions of the world. The bald eagle and the golden eagle are found in
North America and Mexico; In Australia, the white-bellied sea eagle and in the

Philippines, the Philippine eagle. Eagles are bigger, more powerfully structured
and have heavier heads and bills compared to other birds of prey. They also fly

longer and faster.
Eagles have keen eyesight that allows them to see their prey even from a very

long distance. This is because they have an exceptionally large pupil. Once they
catch their prey, eagles use their powerful beaks to tear off flesh from their prey.

Also, they nest on very high trees or on cliffs.
Because of the eagle’s powerful appearance, they have been used as a symbol

by many countries and associations throughout history. In the United States, the
bald eagle is the national emblem of the country. In the dark ages, the eagle was

often depicted in flags and in the shields of warriors. Napoleon Bonaparte, a
famous French commander, used the Roman golden eagle as the symbol of his

new French empire. In Ghana, two eagles are depicted in their coat-of-arms. The
Philippine eagle (or Monkey-eating eagle) is Philippines’ national bird.

Main Idea

What is the main idea of this story?

a. the powerful beak of an eagle

b. the national emblems of countries
c. a monkey eating eagle from the Philippines

d. different types of eagles from around the world

72_Reading Success B 2