Watch: Tortoise Outsmarts The Eagle

Are you familiar with the ancient Aesopian fable of the tortoise and the hare? Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race. In this case, the tortoise, once again, proved that they should not be underestimated!

Here we compare the eagle and the tortoise to see who is the smarter animal.

Read to the end to watch the video!

Comparison Of the Animals

Aspect	Tortoise	Eagle
Intelligence	Known for their slow and steady nature, tortoises may not display exceptional intelligence compared to other animals.	Eagles are renowned for their high level of intelligence and keen observation skills.
Adaptability	Tortoises are highly adaptable to different environments and can survive in various habitats.	Eagles are adaptable birds that can thrive in various habitats, including mountains, forests, and deserts.
Hunting	Tortoises are herbivores and primarily feed on vegetation. They do not possess predatory hunting skills.	Eagles are skilled hunters and carnivorous birds. They have excellent eyesight and use their speed and agility to catch prey, primarily small mammals and fish.
Flight	Tortoises are land-dwelling creatures and are not capable of flight.	Eagles are powerful fliers and can soar at great heights, utilizing their broad wingspan and strong wing muscles.
Lifespan	Tortoises have a long lifespan and can live for several decades or even over a century.	Eagles have a relatively shorter lifespan, typically 15 to 25 years in the wild.
Symbolism	Tortoises are often associated with wisdom, patience, and longevity in many cultures and myths.	Eagles symbolize strength, freedom, and courage in various cultures and are often seen as majestic and powerful creatures.

Tortoise Strengths

Endurance: Tortoises are known for their extraordinary endurance, which allows them to move slowly but steadily toward their destination. In the fable, the tortoise uses his endurance to keep moving without stopping, giving him an edge over the eagle.

Shell: The tortoise’s shell is its greatest asset, protecting it from predators and shelter from extreme temperatures. In the fable, the tortoise uses his shell to trick the eagle into dropping him from a high altitude, allowing him to win the race.

Patience: Tortoises are patient creatures, willing to wait for their moment to strike. In the fable, the tortoise waits for the eagle to tire out before moving, using his endurance and patience to his advantage.

Eagle Strengths

Bald Eagle — Close up shot of the United States’ most iconic bird – the bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*). Image via Depositphotos

Speed: Eagles are known for their incredible speed, which allows them to swoop down and catch their prey quickly. In the fable, the eagle relies on his speed to fly ahead of the tortoise and win the race.

Sharp Vision: Eagles possess exceptional vision, enabling them to survey their environment in search of potential prey. In the fable, the eagle uses his strong vision to spot the tortoise from a high altitude but underestimates the tortoise’s resourcefulness.

Strength: Eagles are powerful birds, able to carry prey that weighs more than their body weight. In the fable, the eagle tries to use his power to his advantage by taking the tortoise high into the air, but ultimately this proves to be his downfall.

The Video

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Kiah Bettison

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Media Studies

Kiah is a Capetonian, fascinated by how each animal plays a significant part within our ecosystem, forming a bubble of life. As a nature lover and wave chaser, she finds solace in the waves and serenity in the great outdoors.

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