Harpy Eagle
Image: diana_shang (cc-by-nc)
NameHarpy Eagle
Common NameHarpy Eagle
Scientific NameHarpia harpyja
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)97
Weight (g)6400
Plumage DetailsAdults have a slate-grey head with a distinctive double crest of feathers that can be raised. The upperparts, including the back and wings, are dark slate-grey to black. The underparts are white, with a broad black band across the chest. The tail is black with three grey bands. Juveniles, like the one pictured, are much whiter, especially on the head and underparts, with lighter grey upperparts and a less defined chest band.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a variety of calls, including piercing whistles, harsh shrieks, and croaking sounds, especially around the nest. Calls are often described as a series of 'wheee-oooo' or 'whee-whee-whee-whee-whee-whee-wheeooooo' sounds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatstropical lowland rainforests, humid forests
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound in the Neotropical realm, from southeastern Mexico (though largely extirpated there) through Central America and into South America, ranging east to the Atlantic coast of Brazil and south to northern Argentina. Its distribution is fragmented due to habitat loss.
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent double crest, dark grey upperparts, white underparts with black chest band (adults), massive talons, powerful hooked beak, dark facial mask (adults)
Description
The Harpy Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, known for its formidable hunting prowess. It is characterized by its striking grey, black, and white plumage, a prominent double-crested head, and massive talons. This apex predator primarily hunts arboreal mammals in the dense canopy of tropical rainforests.
