- Harpia harpyja
Identification
10 pounds(4.5kg)
The Harpy Eagle is heavy, but not the heaviest of eagles, and its wing-span too is exceeded by many others. What does mark it out from all other eagles,however is the immense size of its feet and talons, and the great girth of its legs.
Distribution
Central and South America: very rare in Mexico reported from Veracruz, Chiapas and Campeche, also from Belize and Guatemala south to Panama and in South America from Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas south to south-east Brazil and north-east Argentina.
A resident species.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Habitat
Primary rainforest, at 100 to 1,800m. Occasionally soars over forest and sometimes perches on the highest treetops but spends much time in dense canopy foliage.
Behaviour
Diet
Their diet includes big animals such as sloths and howler monkeys.
Breeding
The nests are situated at a great height in the crowns of silk cotton trees, about 165 feet (50m) above the ground. Made of sticks up to 1.6 inches (4cm) thick,the nest is 5 feet (1.5m) across and lined with green leaves and animal hair.Two eggs may be laid,but it is normal for only one young eagle to be reared.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Harpy Eagle. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 21 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Harpy_Eagle
External Links
