Harpy Eagle
Image: diana_shang (cc-by-nc)
NameHarpy Eagle
Common NameHarpy Eagle
Scientific NameHarpia harpyja
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)95
Weight (g)6400
Plumage DetailsAdult Harpy Eagles have a pale gray head with a prominent double crest of feathers. Their upperparts, including the back and wings, are slate black, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. A broad black band crosses the upper chest, separating the white belly from the gray head.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of piercing whistles, croaks, and shrieks, often heard near the nest. They can also produce a variety of squawks and chirps.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the lowland tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico through Central America and into South America, reaching as far south as northern Argentina.
Identifying Featuresimmense size, prominent double crest, gray head, black chest band, powerful talons, black upperparts, white underparts
Description
The Harpy Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, characterized by its imposing size and distinctive crest. It is an apex predator of the rainforest canopy, primarily hunting arboreal mammals. This magnificent bird exhibits a striking black and white plumage with a gray head.
