their diets, either fresh or as carrion. Proposed subfamily Haliaeetinae. Genera: Haliaeetus, Ichthyophaga. Some authors include Gypohierax angolensis, the "vulturine fish eagle" (also called the palm-nut vulture) in this group. However, genetic analyses indicate it is related to a grouping of Neophron–Gypaetus–Eutriorchis (Egyptian vulture, bearded vulture (lammergeier), and Madagascar serpent eagle). The fish eagles have a close genetic relationship with Haliastur and Milvus; the whole group is only distantly related to the Buteo group. Booted eagles Booted eagles or "true eagles" have feathered tarsi (lower legs). Tribe Aquililae or proposed subfamily Aquilinae. Genera: Aquila, Hieraaetus; Spizaetus, Oroaetus, Spizastur; Nisaetus; Ictinaetus, Lophoaetus; Polemaetus; and Stephanoaetus. See comments under eagle species for changes to the composition of these genera. Snake eagles Most snake or serpent eagles, as the name suggests, primarily prey on snakes. Subfamily Circaetinae. Genera: Circaetus, Spilornis, Dryotriorchis, Terathopius. Eutriorchis (subfamily Gypaetinae or Circaetinae). Despite filling the niche of a snake eagle, genetic studies suggest that the Madagascar serpent eagle (Eutriorchis) is not related to them. Harpy eagles Harpy eagles or "giant forest eagles" are large eagles that inhabit tropical forests. The group contains two to six species, depending on the author. Although these birds occupy similar niches and have traditionally been grouped, they are not all related: the solitary eagles are related to the black hawks and the Philippine eagle to the snake eagles. Harpy eagles (proposed subfamily Harpiinae) Harpia harpyja, harpy eagle ― Central and South America. Morphnus guianensis, crested eagle ― Central and South America. Harpyopsis novaeguineae, Papuan eagle ― New Guinea. Philippine eagle Pithecophaga jefferyi, Philippine eagle ― Philippines. Solitary eagles Chaco eagle or crowned solitary eagle, Buteogallus (formerly Harpyhaliaetus) coronatus ― South America. Solitary eagle or montane solitary eagle, Buteogallus (formerly Harpyhaliaetus) solitarius ― South America. Species Major new research into eagle taxonomy suggests that the important genera Aquila and Hieraaetus are not composed of nearest relatives, and it is likely that a reclassification of these genera will soon take place, with some species being moved to Lophaetus or Ictinaetus. Bonelli's eagle and the African hawk-eagle have been moved from Hieraaetus to Aquila. Either the greater spotted eagle and lesser spotted eagle should move from Aquila to join the long-crested eagle in Lophaetus, or, perhaps better, all three of these species should move to Ictinaetus with the black eagle. The steppe eagle and tawny eagle, once thought to be conspecific, are not even each other's