Battleflight Eagle MTG Card
2012-07-13 - Number 7
2020-09-26 - Number M13-7
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying When Battleflight Eagle enters the battlefield, target creature gets +2/+2 and gains flying until end of turn.
Eagles make fine mounts, but they're too proud to carry anyone for long.
Cards like Battleflight Eagle
Battleflight Eagle brings its own flair to the flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Birds of Paradise is another flyer with clear differences. While Battleflight Eagle offers an immediate battlefield impact by giving another creature +2/+2 and flying until the end of the turn, Birds of Paradise doesn’t affect the board directly but rather ramps and fixes mana with its ability to tap for any color.
Looking at Serra Angel, the distinction is in their functionalities. Serra Angel is a standalone powerhouse with vigilance and a solid body, making it a consistent threat. Battleflight Eagle, although weaker in stats, provides a surprise element and synergizes well with strategies that benefit from temporary buffs.
Another card worth mentioning is Gust of Wind. Despite not being a creature, it captures the flying theme by requiring a flyer to be tapped for a reduced casting cost. It also disrupts opponents by returning a nonland permanent to their hand. Battleflight Eagle may not offer control elements like Gust of Wind, but it excels in aggressive strategies that capitalize on aerial advantages.
Assessing each card for its strengths, it is evident that Battleflight Eagle holds a unique position as a flying enabler with instant board influence among aerial-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Battleflight Eagle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Upon entering the battlefield, Battleflight Eagle gives a flying creature a +2/+2 boost until the end of the turn. This immediate effect can turn the tide of the game by enhancing board presence and potentially winning the combat exchange.
Resource Acceleration: While Battleflight Eagle itself does not provide direct resource acceleration, its ability to instantly enhance a creature can translate into accelerated game pace by pressuring opponents and advancing your win condition more rapidly.
Instant Speed: Although Battleflight Eagle is a creature, it has an ability that works superbly at crucial combat moments. Playing this card just before the combat damage step can surprise an unprepared opponent, akin to the utility gained from instant speed spells, and can favorably alter the outcome of battles.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Battleflight Eagle comes with a caveat for its effect, asking you to part with another card from your hand. This could set you back, especially when your hand is running low on cards and each one counts.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes white mana, this eagle may find its wings clipped in decks that don’t run Plains. This color specificity means it won’t fit in every avian or creature-focused strategy out there.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the sky-high view of the Battleflight Eagle might be alluring, its mana cost is on the heftier side when compared with other cards that bring similar capabilities to a match. Savvy players might opt for alternatives that don’t put such a strain on their mana resources.
Reasons to Include Battleflight Eagle in Your Collection
Versatility: Battleflight Eagle is a fine addition to any deck looking for a flying creature that can make an immediate impact. Its ability to give another creature flying allows for tactical flexibility during gameplay.
Combo Potential: This card can easily slot into decks that capitalize on battlefield effects triggered by creatures entering play or gaining flying, adding a layer of strategy to your plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given that aerial threats are often harder to block, having Battleflight Eagle in your deck can be a game-changer against ground-based strategies that dominate certain metas.
How to beat
Battleflight Eagle can be a surprising threat in Magic: The Gathering, soaring over the battlefield with its flying ability. One notable interaction occurs when Battleflight Eagle enters the battlefield, bolstering another creature’s strength and taking your opponent off guard with a sudden boost in power.
To counter this aerial tactic, it’s essential to have removal spells ready or creatures with reach to defend against the unexpected assault. Spells like Murder instantly destroy a target creature regardless of its newfound strength, providing a straightforward solution. Alternatively, employing creatures like Giant Spider can deter the Eagle’s attack, thanks to their inherent reach ability and adequate toughness to withstand the Eagle’s enhanced combat capabilities.
Adapting to the situation is key; therefore, keeping instant-speed interaction spells in your hand ensures that you can react swiftly to the Eagle’s buffing play. Effective board control maintains the upper hand against flying creatures, and watching for that crucial moment to strike can ensure your dominance over the skies and ultimately thwart Battleflight Eagle’s impact on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Battleflight Eagle MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and The List, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Battleflight Eagle and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Battleflight Eagle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2012-07-13. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 7 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | M13-7 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Battleflight Eagle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Battleflight Eagle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-07-01 | Battleflight Eagle’s ability is mandatory, although you can choose Battleflight Eagle as the target. |