Angry Birds Mighty Eagle Explained

Since it’s release on iOS devices the Mighty Eagle has been shrouded with mystery. This article and Q&A aims to clear up some of that confusion.

So, what exactly is the Mighty Eagle? Put simply, the Mighty Eagle is an in-app purchase that can help you pass a level.  But that is not all.  It also adds a new dimension to Angry Birds — in a way it’s a game inside the game (more on that later).

Current Availability

The Mighty Eagle is currently available on the following platforms (last updated July 2013):

  • iOS: All 5 apps!
    Angry Birds on December 20th, 2010, Seasons on August 22nd, 2011, Rio on October 27th, 2011, Space on March 22nd, 2012, and Star Wars on November 8th, 2012.
  • Android via Google Play: All 5 apps!
    Angry Birds on August 8th, 2012, Seasons on March 13th, 2013, Rio on December 18th, 2012, Space on June 5th, 2012, and Star Wars on November 8th, 2012.
  • T-Mobile Android Devices: Angry Birds via the T-Mobile Mall on September 30th, 2011.
  • NOOK Color: Angry Birds on June 30th, 2011 for free within Barnes & Noble stores via Angry Birds Magic.
  • Chrome Beta: December 1st, 2011 (with a free trial in Poached Eggs).
  • Facebook: February 13th, 2012 (with a very different cost/payment system, so refer to its main post).
  • Need help getting feathers / total destruction? We have a bunch of Mighty Eagle walkthrough videos available for most of the more challenging levels. If no video exists for the level you need, you can make a request in the forum.

Important Disclaimer

Foremost, the Mighty Eagle is a separate in-app purchase for each app. In the original Angry Birds, Seasons, and Rio, a 1-time purchase will gain unlimited use, per the Q&A that appears below. In Space and Star Wars, “Mighty usage” is a consumable IAP and subject to different pricing. The Q&A below is not 100% accurate for these “consumable Mighties”, and you should refer to our Classroom Lessons for additional references and details.

Questions and Answers.

After purchasing the Mighty Eagle you can to use it to pass a level once per hour, or, if you’ve already passed a level you can use it as often as you like.   Using it will not yield any stars or points, but rather it calculates a percentage of destruction, with 100% destruction being Total Destruction.  When you do receive Total Destruction on a given level you will receive a feather.  Ultimately your goal is to obtain a feather on every single level of the game.  On some levels this is NOT an easy task.   Fortunately we have some video walkthroughs available for the most challenging levels.

Okay, so how does it work from within the game? After you purchase the Mighty Eagle you have to activate it from within a particular level.  This is simply done by tapping the eagle eye icon that appears next to the pause button on every level. It’s important to note that you can then use it in conjunction with your other birds (actually, on many levels you can’t receive Total Destruction without using them together).

After you activate the Mighty Eagle your slingshot is loaded with a can of sardines. You then hurl the can towards the piggies mocking you on the other side. After which, you wait a couple seconds…then…BLAMOH! T he Mighty Eagle drops out of the sky and smashes everything.  At that point your destruction is calculated based on the damage sustained. How much destruction really depends on how strategically you place you can of sardines, use of your other birds, and on some levels bit of luck. After you’ve used the Mighty Eagle the level selection icons display an eagle graphic to signify he’s been used.

That’s pretty much it.  We’ll use the Q & A section below to answers some of the more common questions we receive.  A big thanks to Rovio for chiming in on some of them.

  • Q. What devices currently support the Mighty Eagle?
  • A. Right now the Mighty Eagle is only available to purchase on iOS devices (ipad, iPhone, and iPod Touch). NOOK Color owners can access the Mighty Eagle from with Barnes & Noble, but there currently is no option to purchase. Rovio has stated many times that expects the Mighty Eagle will eventually land on most devices and come to different versions of the game (like Angry Birds Seasons).
    Update: This list has since been expanded. See the full list above.
  • Q. I am having a hard time passing a level. Do you have Mighty Eagle walkthroughs available?
  • A. Yes, we have many video walkthroughs for some of the most challenging levels.
  • Q. Will this yield 3 stars every time?
  • A. Per Rovio, “Using the Eagle doesn’t give you any stars, but the scoring goes into the Eagle mode. The destruction is calculated in percentages, and getting a 100% Total Destruction awards you with an eagle feather for that level. This gives you a reason to revisit all the old levels again, even if you’ve got three stars on all of them. So, when skipping a level with the Eagle, you still have to come back and earn the three stars in the regular fashion.”
  • Q. How will affect leaderboards? It seems kind of unfair to rank these people higher than those who passed the level without the Mighty Eagle.
  • A. Per Rovio via Tweet, “No effect on leaderboards”. Per Rovio, via comments below, “The Mighty Eagle can be used with the regular set of birds, and this might be required to maximize your Eagle score in some levels (or, first destroy some difficult-to-reach blocks with the regular birds before launching the final blast with the Eagle.”
  • Q. Does this incentive Rovio to make the upcoming levels harder, if not almost impossible?
  • A. No.  This question was asked before the Mighty Eagle was really understood. Since it’s not supported on all devices this just wouldn’t make since.  Also, as we’ve shown above, the Mighty Eagle is like a game within the game, so there is no affect on the normal game play.
  • Q. How much will it cost?
  • A. “The price point is $0.99/£0.59/€0.79” per app.
  • Q. What do you get when you purchase the Mighty Eagle?
  • A. The Mighty Eagle comes with two features:
    1. It allows you to skip a level in the event you’re stuck and just want to move on.
    2.  It’s basically a n
    ew “mini-game” where your goal is to obtain feathers by receiving Total Destruction.
  • Q. Is it a single use item or do you only have to purchase it once?
  • A. You only have to purchase it ONCE per app.  Per Rovio, “The Eagle is NOT one use only, but it ‘recharges’ for a time before it can be used to skip a level again. However, the Eagle can be used repeatedly in any level you’ve already managed to unlock.”

Updates:

12/20/2010: The Mighty Eagle update is available on the iPad.
12/23/2010: The Mighty Eagle update is out for the iPhone and iTouch!
06/30/2011: Mighty Eagle Now Available on NOOK Color via Angry Birds Magic
08/22/2011: Mighty Eagle Now Available in Angry Birds Seasons
09/30/2011: Mighty Eagle Lands for Android Exclusively via the T-Mobile Mall
10/27/2011: Mighty Eagle Now Available in Angry Birds Rio
12/01/2011: Angry Birds Chrome Update Adds Mighty Eagle
02/13/2012: Angry Birds on Facebook Out Now with the Mighty Eagle
03/22/2012: Understanding the Mighty Space Eagle
06/05/2012: Angry Birds Space Eagle & Danger Zone Now Available for Android
08/08/2012: Mighty Eagle Finally Lands on Android in Latest Surf & Turf Update
11/08/2012: Angry Birds Star Wars Now Available! Try it, you will
12/18/2012: Angry Birds Rio Update Adds Power Ups, Bonus Levels, Mighty Eagle for Android
03/13/2013: Angry Birds Seasons Update Adds Power-ups, Bonus Levels, Mighty Eagle for Android

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Comments (543)

By Porsche

I bought mighty eagle on iPhone and I want to buy it again in iPod touch will it free when I use the same account?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

You should be all set, because all it will register is that you are buying the Mighty Eagle for the non-HD version of the game, which you have already done.

On the other hand, if you wanted to buy the Mighty Eagle on an iPad, you would have to repay, since you had not yet bought the Mighty Eagle for the HD version.

By Porsche

So, it free?

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

Yes, Free if you are using the same account on the same TYPE of device.

By Porsche

Same type of device mean iPhone and iPhone? Don’t angry of me ^ ^

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

No worries, you’re fine. Same type of device meaning iPhone and iPod Touch are one type of device since they play the same version of the game. The iPad is on it’s own since it uses an HD version of the game.

By Porsche

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 ican use now

By Donna

I downloaded something about ab yesterday but I keep getting a ‘coming soon’ where there are supposed to be new games. Did I miss something?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

No new levels were released in the AB1.6.1 or ABR1.2.1 updates. Just bug fixes and visual effects changes.

By craig macbeth

Can anyone explain what needs to be done to get 100%? some levels i have 5-6 blocks left untouched and can get 100% and others i have 1 block and only get 89% or so. One level that is really stumping me is 2-12 on the original Angry Birds.

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Different levels have different requirements. Some require everyone be destroyed. Some levels that’s impossible, so there is some predetermined amount. Did you check the walkthroughs?

By Maria

It took me forever to finally achieve total distruction on 2-12! I got it down to one small square stone block and one cracked glass block. First, shoot glass from side with bluebird trio. Then, shatter the rest from the top with the second bluebird trio. Use all of your yellow birds to destroy and weaken stone blocks on left. Especially, towards top left. Then, roll bomb bird to blow up weakened stone wall. Make sure you roll it into the bottom. The bird on the left will blow up, leaving exposed bird on right and right stone wall. Quickly bring out your eagle chow, and toss it as hard as you can towards the remaining bird. Goal is to break everything on left with angry birds leaving only wall on right for eagle. Be patient, it’s a pain in the tail feather! Good luck!

By Brenda

Same here too. I am stuck at level 2-12. I have collected all stars, all golden eggs, all different fruits in the different birds games and now all feathers . Except for level 2-12!

By Jesse Velilla

Can I get The Mighty Eagle on Verizon’s Thunderbolt.

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

Sorry not at this time. Still iOS only.

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By DoNLeO (@donleo)

hey i have n900(maemo6) can i buy eagle?

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

No, not yet. iOS only right now (with the exception of NOOK Color in Barnes & Noble).

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By DoNLeO (@donleo)

Will rovio made angry birds V1.6.1 update or seasons or rio for nokia N900? becouse he made angry birds update for me only v1.4.2.

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

I would assume so, but I have no idea when. Sorry I don’t have more info.

By Richard Coles

I have paid for the mighty eagle but I am unable to use it in game. Is there something else I need to do before I use it?

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

You have to hit the eagle eye icon that appears next to the pause button within the level. Have you tried this? If so, what happens?

By Richard Coles

It brings up the window that leads you to buying it again. It’s like i’ve not bought it despite getting the itunes receipt.

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Have you tried completely closing Angry Birds first (i.e. close it, double tap the home key, tap and hold on any icon, then close the app)? Also, are you connected to wi-fi the first time you use it (not sure if this is required, but it’s worth trying).

By Nik

I have the same problem . And I did what you said… I turned everything off but no eagle… What ‘s wrong?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

If you go through the process of re-buying the Mighty Eagle, you will not be charged again (so long as you use the same Apple ID)

By Nik

I did re-buy… No go! Any other ideas?
Thanks!

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Couple other things you could try, but would be long shots are: 1. Make sure you are connected to wifi; 2. Be sure in app purchases are enabled the first time you tap the eagle eye icon; 3. Restart your device. Other than that Your last resort might be to email [email protected].

By Nemesio Cabra

Hello! Does the buying of the mighty eagle work the same way as explained in jailbreaked iphones? I mean, if you didn’t pay for the app are you able tu pay only for the mighty eagle? Thanks!

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

I don’t think so. I think you need a legit version of Angry Birds before you can get the Mighty Eagle.
BUT what are you doing with a pirated copy of Angry Birds!? It’s a buck for a game with an amazing amount of replay value!

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By MarkyMark73 (@markymark73)

I have an I-Pod Touch 3rd gen. and I upgraded the software to 4.2.1, I’m guessing the first of this year. I bought the might eagle when it first came out and right away the game was slower and it took longer to load after each time I played a level. The seasons game still played fast just like the day I got it. Before the updates 1.6.0 and 1.6.1 the main angry birds game usually took twice to load. Now after the updates I have not been able to load it at all and I have tried all the ideas mentioned on this site. My friend also has the same I-Pod Touch but he never bought the might eagle or updated the software and he is able to play after updating to 1.6.1 – still waiting for another update so I can play the main angry birds game again. I am wondering if buying the mighty eagle has something to do with why I can’t play the game anymore??? It’s like my I-Pod can’t handle it???

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

No, I don’t think the Mighty Eagle is the reason. First, many Android users are experiencing this loading bug and the ME is not in that system at all. Also, I have ME on both iPhone 3Gs an iPad 2 and I did not get bugged.

Rovio has said that they are working on a fix.

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By tijntjeboy (@tijntjeboy)

i know that it is the same question but in a movie the explain how it workst and the explanation is done on a nokia n8. ???????????

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By tijntjeboy (@tijntjeboy)
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By JessicaSantillo (@jessicasantillo)

Ok.. I bought the mighty eagle on the angry birds seasons game I think, and I was wondering why it does not carry over onto Rio? Can it?

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

As far as I know the Mighty Eagle is not out for Seasons yet, just the original version. No, the Mighty Eagle doesn’t carry over.

By Join

I have a feeling that this is not going to be posted bit I just want to tell you that you stink. together with rivio. What kind of support do you provide. We all paid for angry birds but us pixie owners can’t even get an easter update. I just got a text from my friend saying that she just got an update for rio. How pathetic is that????? I have been more than patient but this is just getting so ridiculous.

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Sorry to hear that you’re disappointed, but we actually have the answer regarding webOS. To be fair, AngryBirdsNest is not affiliated with RovioMobile Ltd. and we do not receive much inside info. We are simply a fan site with a large community.

The answer re: webOS can be found in this forum post. It is an email that an ABN member received from Rovio. Frankly, when you have questions about your platform, you should contact Rovio directly.

By bendover

Bought this app addon, as it said I could use it as often as I wanted. Now find out is is only good once an hour. Can’t you at least tell us that in advance of taking our money?

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Once you pass a level you can use it as often as you like. It wouldn’t be that fun to use it over and over again to pass every level.

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

To add to what BirdLeader said and maybe clarify a little, it’s only available once-an-hour when you use it to pass/skip levels. If you use it on any already passed level you can use it as much as you want.

By Bianca

When will the update for the eagle eye come 2 the Acer iconia tab with Android???

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

No ETA yet but we know it’s an active project.

By Bobby

I tried to buy the Mighty Eagle and I got the message: This Apple ID is not valid for sandbox. Sign in with a different Apple ID. Why?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

I assume your iOS device is jailbroken and running AppSync? If so, then unistall AppSync, attempt the purchase, then reinstall AppSync. (Source: Yahoo! Answers)

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

Are you sure you are in your correct GameCenter account too? Log in to Gamecenter and then where it normally says “Me” does it instead say Sandbox?

By Button

I purchased mighty eagle for my iphone which was charged to my itunes account.

If i try to install on my wife’s iphone it takes me to itunes purchase screen again ?

If i press buy will it charge me once again to install on the her device even though its also linked to my itunes account ?

Should it not just acknowledge I have already bought it and allow me download again for free ?

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Hard to say exactly. I have done exactly what you describe and it did not charge me again, but I am not going to promise you. That said, if it does charge you it’s only an extra $0.99.

By Chris

Normally in the SAME ITUNES ACCOUNT, you are only charged ONCE for the same thing, even if you buy it again and again.

By Button

Thanks guys, guess I will give it a go and keep my fingers crossed!!

By Button

It worked , told me already purchased and 2nd download would be free. Thanks for the help.

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Good to hear! Thanks for reporting back.

By Holly Leblanc

I have purchased AB original, Seasons, & Rio but when I attempt 2 get Mighty Eagle it tells me I have 2 purchase the app it’s used for…
I have iPhone 4

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

The Mighty Eagle is currently only available for the original version of Angry Birds. Are you trying to purchase it from inside the game itself?

By Holly Leblanc

I have the original nd also seasons nd rio nd in original I try to buy might eagle but it says I must buy app its used for first…I already did

By dave

I can’t buy the mighty eagle for seasons. It just keeps telling me can’t connect to the itues store anyone have any answers for me. Thanks

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Rovio is aware of the issue. We are trying to funnel the conversation onto the “coming soon” post if you want to read some of the comments therein.

By Matt

I purchased the mighty eagle for regular angry birds…do I have to pay for it again for seasons, not that it’s available?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

The Mighty Eagle is indeed available for Seasons. Yesterday, the in-app purchase was finally cleared. But to answer your question, yes. Since Seasons is a separate app, it requires a separate IAP to harness the Mighty Eagle’s power.

By Joan Wolckenhauer

I just updated Angry Birds Seasons on all of my iGadgets. When I try to purchase the “Mighty Eagle” on any of them, within the game, I get a message saying “Cannot Connect to iTunes Store.” Obviously, my WiFi is fine since I just updated four iGadgets. Please help me! Thank you!

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Yes, this is happening to everyone. Please check out this post on the matter.

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By loox (@loox)

Thanks BL… Having the same problem. Generic google search only yields developer/sandbox type results. Added Mighty Eagle to my search query and it brought me back to your site. I should’ve guessed that you, AMslim, and the rest of your team were already prescient on the matter.

Your site never ceases to amaze me (and it also justifies the hours spent entering hundreds of scores on the leader boards).

By Harry

When will The Mighty Eagle be coming out for the Windows Phone Version of Angry Birds?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Haven’t heard anything about WinPhone.

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By eman1211 (@chico2993)

is The Mighty Eagle available on the mac?

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By FujiToast (@fujitoast)

At the time it is iOS only.

By aspromalee

My iPhone 3G (used more as an iPod, now) won’t connect to the internet or wi-fi anymore. So I bought the eagle for my wife’s 4G, but when I synced my old 3G, it doesn’t appear; says I need to purchase. What am I doing wrong?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

I think you would need to be using the same iTunes account or something along those lines. Can you provide a few more details?

By Jason

Sorry if somebody already asked this…
If you buy the Mighty Eagle for the original Angry Birds, do you have to pay another $.99 for the Season’s Mighty Eagle if you use the same iTunes account?
Thanks in advanced!

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By Bird Leader (@birdleader)

Yes, two different apps, so two different in-app purchases are required.

By EJ

does the in-app take from iTunes credit I already have or does it take it from my card attached to my account?

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Any iTunes purchase will deduct first from any credits that you have on your account. If you have no credits, then you get billed normally.

By justin

i have angry birds and i tried to buy the eagle but it said i needed the game that the eagle is for (angry birds) WHAT SHOULD I DO

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By AMslimfordy (@amslimfordy)

Contact Apple about this issue. Be sure you have IAPs enabled (Settings > General > Restrictions > In-App Purchases).

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