The Harpy Eagle(Harpia harpyja), also known as the American Harpy Eagle or Brazilian Harpy Eagle is a South American bird of prey that is classified in the order Accipitriformes and the family Accipitridae.
Physical Characteristics
The Harpy Eagle can be identified by its large hooked bill; a divided crest on the central crown; broad, rounded wings; and a proportionately long, banded tail. An adult Harpy Eagle can be recognized by its large size, gray head and neck, big black breast band, dark upperparts, and white lower breast and belly. It takes a few years for a Harpy Eagle to fledge into adult plumage. The plumages of juveniles are mainly light gray and white.
| Length | 86.5 cm-1.1m(2’10.1”-3’7.3”) |
| Wingspan | 1.8-2.2 m(5’10.9′-7’2.6”) |
| Weight | 4-9 kg(.8.8-19.8 lbs.) |
Range
The Harpy Eagle is found in Central and South American countries, such as; Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
In Mexico the Harpy Eagle can be found in a few regions in southern Veracruz, eastern Oaxaca, and eastern Chiapas.
The Harpy Eagle is resident throughout its range.
Habitat
The Harpy Eagle inhabits forests; primarily tropical lowland evergreen forest.
Breeding
The Harpy Eagle usually picks the top of a tree for the nest site; typically it choses a tree that emerges above the canopy. The height of the selected tree can reach 75 meters(246.1 feet). A Harpy Eagle’s nest is a platform of sticks. The male and female build the nest together. The clutch size is 2-3 eggs. The incubation period is approximately 56 days.
Almost all of the incubation is performed by the female, as is the feeding of the hatchling. The male sometimes provides food for the female while she is incubating the eggs. The hatching is covered with “dirty” white down. Even though the female lays up to three eggs; typically only the eldest chick survives because it is strong enough to take all the food that is provided by its parents. Harpy Eagles reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 years old.
Diet
Harpy Eagles eat mammals, such as; monkeys. sloths, opossums, porcupines, tamanduas, agoutis, The Tayra (Eira barbara), Procyonids, the Collared Peccary (Tayassu tajacu), and young brocket deer.
The Harpy Eagle also eats birds, including; parrots, curassows, and The Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata).
Harpy Eagles also eat reptiles, such as; snakes and lizards.
Conservation Status
The Harpy Eagle is listed as vulnerable.
Fun Facts
- The Harpy Eagle can take 3 days to digest a meal.
- The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama.
- Harpy Eagles can live for up to 30 years.
