Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), a neotropical bird of prey, stands as the largest and most powerful raptor throughout its range. It is crowned with a double crest and cloaked in slate-black feathers above, with a predominantly white underside, save for the black-striped feathered tarsi. A broad black band across the upper breast separates the pale grey head from the white belly. The tail features black with grey bands above and white bands below. Both sexes share the same plumage, and their eyes may be grey, brown, or red, while the cere and bill are black or blackish, and the tarsi and toes are yellow.

Identification Tips

Adult females typically weigh between 6 to 9 kg, with some reaching up to 10 kg, and males are smaller, ranging from 4 to 6 kg. The harpy eagle's wingspan ranges from 176 to 224 cm, with a body length of 86.5 to 107 cm. The tarsus can measure up to 13 cm, and the talons are the largest of any living eagle, crucial for identification.

Habitat

The Harpy Eagle usually inhabits tropical lowland rainforests, preferring the upper canopy layer. They are most commonly found in Brazil and are adapted to hunting in the dense forest canopy.

Distribution

This eagle's range extends from Mexico through Central America and into South America as far south as Argentina. However, it has become rare or extinct in many parts of Central America due to habitat destruction.

Behaviour

Harpy Eagles are solitary and elusive hunters, often perching silently for long periods before executing a swift attack on their prey. They are known for their incredible strength, capable of snatching up large prey such as sloths and monkeys directly from tree branches.

Song & Calls

The Harpy Eagle is generally silent but may emit a penetrating, melancholy scream near the nest. Vocalizations include chirps, goose-like calls, and sharp screams, with variations between males and females.

Breeding

Harpy Eagles lay two white eggs, but typically only one chick is raised every 2-3 years. Nests are constructed high in tall trees like the kapok. The incubation period is around 56 days, and the chick fledges at 6 months, though it remains dependent on parental feeding for up to 10 months.

Similar Species

The Harpy Eagle may be confused with the Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis) or the New Guinea Harpy Eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae), but can be distinguished by its larger size and more powerful build.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of tree-dwelling mammals, particularly sloths and monkeys. They are apex predators, using their formidable talons to snatch prey from the trees. They may also take other mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Conservation Status

The Harpy Eagle is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with habitat loss due to deforestation being the primary threat to its survival. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and captive breeding programs.