Caught in a flap: Bald eagle is left dangling upside down and at its rival’s mercy after coming off second best in aerial fight

An American bald eagle was left dangling by its feet during a dramatic mid-air fight with a rival.

Photos of the encounter between the two iconic birds in Washington state showed how they pushed their feet off one another and flapped their wings in a battle for dominance. At one point, one of the 14-pound birds gained the upper ‘hand’ as it seized the other’s claw and flew with its helpless opponent dangling and powerless.

However another image the moment the two birds lost their grip, flapped their wings aggressively then flew off in different directions, bringing the scuffle to an end. The powerful photos were taken by nature photographer Christopher Ang who was around 200 feet away with a group of other photographers.

The American bald eagle was left dangling by its feet during an action-packed encounter with an opponent

Photos of the dramatic encounter between the two large birds in Washington State, showed how they pushed their feet off one another and flapped their wings in a battle for dominance

At one point, one of the 14-pound birds appeared to have the upper hand as he gripped the other eagle’s claw and dangled it above the ground

The 65-year-old New Yorker said the ‘breathtaking’ fight lasted over a minute.

‘I noticed an eagle circling above me which suddenly dove with such urgency and headed for another eagle.

‘The two eagles circled each other in the air and continued to soar higher to gain advantage – but one swooped down with its talons outstretched and grabbed its opponent’s feet.

‘The eagle was being dangled in the air and although it tried to fight back, it was unable to move due to the other eagle’s grip.

‘I believe the eagle was trying to demonstrate aerial superiority and dominance – which worked as the other eagle screeched as it was being dragged and tossed about,’ Ang said.

‘As the fight continued, it soon ended after the two nearly hit the water and tumbled down to the ground where the dominant eagle released its grip on the other.

Ang described witnessing the fight as a ‘breathtaking moment’ that reminded him ‘of the importance for us to appreciate all life on Earth’

Ang, a 65-year-old New Yorker, said the ‘breathtaking’ fight between the two birds lasted over a minute

‘It was such a breathtaking moment which was so special and reminded me of the importance for us to appreciate all life on Earth.’

Ang said he uses his photography to ‘help people fall in love with nature and the amazing animals that surround us,’ adding that moments like the bird’s fight ‘are so spectacular’ and ‘do a great job at doing this’.

American bald eagles have a wingspan of up to eight-feet. When they battle, they circle each other in the air to gain advantage and to determine who the dominant one is.

As they are the national birds of the USA and highly protected, there is a fine of $250,000 (£180,000) in place, as well as up to five years in jail, for anyone caught killing a bald eagle.