Start << Back Next >> Flapping and Soaring Eagles have long, large wings, short necks, and legs short enough to tuck into their belly feathers after takeoff. U27's wing span is 6 to 7 feet! When eagles fly long distances, as on migration, they often soar on thermals until they reach a high altitude. Then they glide and soar without flapping. Why do they soar and glide instead of flapping their wings like many other birds?