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The species Harpagornis moorei is extinct. |
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- Haast's Eagle
Identification
Extinct.
Largest raptor of New Zealand and largest eagle known, at 10-15 kg it was 30-40% heavier than the Harpy Eagle (the largest living eagle). Wingspan was short for its massive size at 2-3 m due to its forest habitat. Body length up to 1.4m and standing height 90cm. Large size allowed it to prey on moas up to 15 times its body weight. Known only from fossil records and folklore of indigenous Maori. Believed to have become extinct soon after humans arrived in the 13th century possibly due to the over-hunting of its major prey source (the moa) and persecution (it could easily have taken an adult human as alternative prey).
Distribution
New Zealand, South Island.
Taxonomy
DNA analysis has shown that Haast's Eagle is most closely related to Little Eagle and Booted Eagle.
Habitat
Dense forest.
Behaviour
Diet included moas.
