Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The harpy eagle is a large neotropical species of eagle. It is also called the American harpy eagle to distinguish it from the Papuan eagle, which is sometimes known as the New Guinea harpy eagle or Papuan harpy eagle. It is the largest bird of prey throughout its range, and among the largest extant species of eagles in the world. It usually inhabits tropical lowland rainforests in the upper (emergent) canopy layer. Destruction of its natural habitat has caused it to vanish from many parts of its former range, and it is nearly extirpated from much of Central America. It is the only member of the genus Harpia, which, together with Harpyopsis, Macheiramphus and Morphnus, forms the subfamily Harpiinae.
Fun Fact
Harpy eagles have the largest talons of any living eagle — rear talons measuring up to 13 cm (5 in), the size of grizzly bear claws — powerful enough to crush the bones of monkeys and sloths they snatch from the canopy.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical lowland rainforests
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
25-35 years
Threats
- Poaching
- Wildfire
- Illegal Wildlife Trade