Eagle vs. Kite: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
An eagle is a large bird of prey with a powerful build, while a kite is a raptor known for its graceful flight or a tethered flying object.
Key Differences
Eagle and kite, both terms within the realm of avian species, represent different birds with their unique characteristics. The eagle is universally recognized as a large bird of prey, boasting a robust build and is often associated with strength and majesty. Known for their sharp eyesight, eagles have an imposing presence and are usually at the top of their food chain in their respective habitats.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
In contrast, the kite, when referring to a bird, indicates a group of medium-sized raptors known for their graceful flight. Unlike the solid, muscular build of eagles, kites generally possess a more slender form. Their dietary habits and hunting techniques differ from those of eagles. Kites often glide in the sky searching for smaller prey and are especially known for their ability to hover.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Additionally, the term "kite" carries another meaning altogether, that of a tethered object made of lightweight material, flown in the wind for recreation or other purposes. This object, often made of paper or fabric, is a popular plaything, especially in open spaces.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
On the symbolism front, eagles hold significant importance in many cultures, representing freedom, power, or even divine connection. They are also national symbols for various countries, reflecting might and freedom. Kites, as birds, might not hold the same weight in symbolism as eagles but as flying objects, have been celebrated in numerous festivals worldwide, representing joy, freedom, and the celebration of nature.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Cultural Significance
National symbols, revered in many cultures
Celebrated in kite-flying festivals
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Eagle and Kite Definitions
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Kite
A medium-sized raptor known for graceful flight.
The kite hovered in the sky before diving for its prey.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Eagle
A representation of majesty in various cultures.
The tribal chief wore an eagle feather headdress.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Kite
A symbol of joy and freedom in many cultures.
The kite festival is an annual event in the city.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Eagle
A term used in golf to indicate two under par on a hole.
He scored an eagle on the 5th hole.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Kite
A bird often seen gliding in open skies.
A kite cast a shadow as it glided overhead.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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Eagle
Any of various large diurnal birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, including members of the genera Aquila and Haliaeetus, characterized by broad wings, a hooked bill, keen vision, and soaring flight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A light framework covered with cloth, plastic, or paper, designed to be flown in the wind at the end of a long string or multiple lines, especially for recreation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
A gold coin formerly used in the United States, stamped with an eagle on the reverse side and having a face value of ten dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A quadrilateral with two distinct pairs of congruent, adjacent sides. Also called deltoid.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Any of various graceful predatory birds of the family Accipitridae, having long pointed wings and often a forked tail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
Any of several large carnivorous and carrion-eating birds in the family Accipitridae, having a powerful hooked bill and keen vision.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
A gold coin with a face value of ten dollars, formerly used in the United States.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
A 13th-century coin minted in Europe and circulated in England as a debased sterling silver penny, outlawed under Edward I of England.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A bird of prey of the family Accipitridae.
A pair of kites built a nest on the cliff.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
Any large, rapacious bird of the Falcon family, esp. of the genera Aquila and Haliæetus. The eagle is remarkable for strength, size, graceful figure, keenness of vision, and extraordinary flight. The most noted species are the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaëtus); the imperial eagle of Europe (Aquila mogilnik or Aquila imperialis); the American bald eagle (Haliæetus leucocephalus); the European sea eagle (Haliæetus albicilla); and the great harpy eagle (Thrasaetus harpyia). The figure of the eagle, as the king of birds, is commonly used as an heraldic emblem, and also for standards and emblematic devices. See Bald eagle, Harpy, and Golden eagle.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Any bird of the subfamily Milvinae, with long wings and weak legs, feeding mostly on carrion and spending long periods soaring; specifically, the red kite (Milvus milvus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A bird of the genus Elanus, having thin pointed wings, that preys on rodents and hunts by hovering; also, any bird of related genera in the subfamily Elaninae.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
A northern constellation, containing Altair, a star of the first magnitude. See Aquila.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
The figure of an eagle borne as an emblem on the standard of the ancient Romans, or so used upon the seal or standard of any people.
Though the Roman eagle shadow thee.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
Any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A lightweight toy or other device, traditionally flat and shaped like a triangle with a segment of a circle attached to its base or like a quadrilateral (see sense 9), carried on the wind and tethered and controlled from the ground by one or more lines.
On windy spring days, we would fly kites.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A tethered object which deflects its position in a medium by obtaining lift and drag in reaction with its relative motion in the medium.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
(astrology) A planetary configuration wherein one planet of a grand trine is in opposition to an additional fourth planet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A blank cheque; a fraudulent cheque, such as one issued even though there are insufficient funds to honour it, or one that has been altered without authorization.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Eagle
A large bird of prey known for its strength.
The eagle soared majestically above the mountains.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Eagle
A bird with exceptional eyesight.
The eagle spotted its prey from a great distance.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Kite
(geometry) A polygon resembling the shape of a traditional toy kite (sense 3): a quadrilateral having two pairs of edges of equal length, the edges of each pair touching each other at one end.
Four-sided figures without parallel sides include trapezoids and kites.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
In a square-rigged ship: originally a sail positioned above a topsail; later a lightweight sail set above the topgallants, such as a studding sail or a jib topsail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A (usually concealed) letter or oral message, especially one passed illegally into, within, or out of a prison.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
(Egyptology) A measure of weight equivalent to 10 deben (about 0.32 ounces or 9.1 grams).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
(transitive) To cause (something) to move upwards rapidly like a toy kite; also to cause (something, such as costs) to increase rapidly.
Rising interest rates have kited the cost of housing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
To tamper with a document or record by increasing the quantity of something beyond its proper amount so that the difference may be unlawfully retained; in particular, to alter a medical prescription for this purpose by increasing the number of pills or other items.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
To keep ahead of (an enemy) in order to attack repeatedly from a distance, without exposing oneself to danger.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) glide in the manner of a bird.
The wind kited us toward shore.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
To manipulate like a toy kite; also, usually preceded by an inflection of go: to fly a toy kite.
Want to go kite with me this weekend?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
To write or present (a cheque) on an account with insufficient funds, either to defraud or expecting that funds will become available by the time the cheque clears.
He was convicted of kiting checks and sentenced to two years in prison.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
(intransitive) To travel by kite, as when kitesurfing.
We spent the afternoon kiting around the bay.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
To pass a (usually concealed) letter or oral message, especially illegally into, within, or out of a prison.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Any raptorial bird of the subfamily Milvinæ, of which many species are known. They have long wings, adapted for soaring, and usually a forked tail.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A light frame of wood or other material covered with paper or cloth, for flying in the air at the end of a string.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Fictitious commercial paper used for raising money or to sustain credit, as a check which represents no deposit in bank, or a bill of exchange not sanctioned by sale of goods; an accommodation check or bill.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A form of drag to be towed under water at any depth up to about forty fathoms, which on striking bottom is upset and rises to the surface; - called also sentry.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A bank check drawn on insufficient funds at another bank in order to take advantage of the float
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Plaything consisting of a light frame covered with tissue paper; flown in wind at end of a string
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Any of several small graceful hawks of the family Accipitridae having long pointed wings and feeding on insects and small animals
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Get credit or money by using a bad check;
The businessman kited millions of dollars
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
Soar or fly like a kite;
The pilot kited for a long time over the mountains
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 28, 2023
Kite
A tethered flying object made of paper or fabric.
Children were flying kites in the park.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Kite
A term used in finance for a fraudulent check.
The accountant was caught kiting checks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
FAQs
Do eagles have better eyesight than kites?
Both have sharp eyesight, but eagles are especially known for spotting prey from great distances.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Is the eagle a symbol for any countries?
Yes, the eagle is a national symbol for countries like the United States and Mexico.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What type of bird is an eagle?
An eagle is a large bird of prey known for its strength and sharp eyesight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are kites easy to fly?
While flying a kite can be straightforward, it depends on wind conditions and the kite's design.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
Can eagles carry heavy prey?
Yes, some eagles can carry prey weighing close to their body weight.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Can "kite" refer to both a bird and a flying object?
Yes, a kite can be a medium-sized raptor or a tethered flying object.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are kites bigger than eagles?
No, kites are generally smaller and more slender compared to the robust build of eagles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are there different species of eagles?
Yes, there are various species, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and harpy eagles.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What do kites, as birds, eat?
Kites typically eat smaller prey like insects, rodents, and occasionally small birds.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Is kite flying an ancient tradition?
Yes, kite flying dates back thousands of years and originated in Asia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
How do you differentiate between the bird kite and the flying object?
Context usually helps, but the bird is a living raptor, while the object is made of paper or fabric.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Why are eagles revered in many cultures?
Due to their strength, majesty, and often association with deities or royalty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
How long can eagles live?
In the wild, they can live up to 20-30 years, and in captivity, even longer.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Are kites known for any unique flying behavior?
Yes, they're known for their ability to hover in the sky while searching for prey.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Do kites have sharp eyesight like eagles?
Yes, kites also have sharp eyesight, crucial for spotting prey.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
How powerful are eagle talons?
Extremely powerful; they use them to grasp and carry off their prey.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Do kites have a significant cultural role in any festivals?
Yes, kites as flying objects are celebrated in various kite-flying festivals globally.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Are kite festivals popular worldwide?
Yes, many countries have kite festivals celebrating the joy of kite flying.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Are eagles found worldwide?
Yes, eagles are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
What's the primary diet of an eagle?
It varies by species but can include fish, birds, rodents, and other animals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
