Grey
Grey
Brown
White, Black
White, Black
White, Black
Black
Black
Brown
Hooked
Grey
Grey
Black
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Black back and wings, pale grey head and neck, white belly and legs
Similar to male but larger in size
Darker than adults, less contrast between colors
Long, black with three grey bands
Long, black with three grey bands
Long, black with three brown bands
87cm to 107cm
Length
176cm to 224cm
Wingspan
4kg to 9kg
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Sharp, high-pitched whistles
Series of whistles, often repeated in a pattern
Loud, sharp screams signaling distress or alert
Active during the day, hunting in the early morning and late afternoon
Solitary, pairs only seen during breeding season
Defends large territories, especially during mating season
None, remains in territory year-round
Rarely interacts with other bird species
Monkeys, Sloths
Hunts from a perch, swooping down to catch prey
Early morning and late afternoon
Catches prey in mid-air or plucks from tree branches
Varies with prey availability, will also eat birds and reptiles
None known
High in tree canopy, often in emergent trees
Large platform of sticks, lined with fresh leaves
Varies with location, usually during dry season
White, slightly speckled
Approximately 6cm x 8cm
One egg, occasionally two
Around 56 days
Approximately 6 months
Both parents feed chick, but female does most of the care
Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina
Tropical rainforests, up to 1500m elevation
Sea level to 900m
None, remains in territory year-round
Tropical rainforest
Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Resident or Present
35
45
30 year(s)
4-5 year(s)
5-6 year(s)
Monogamous, mates for life
None known
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
Habitat destruction, hunting
Protected in many countries, conservation programs in place
Population decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting
Harpy Eagles are much larger than Bald Eagles and far more powerful. Bald Eagles mainly feed on fish and waterbirds, while Harpies tackle much larger animals, including adult monkeys and even young deer!
Harpy Eagles are among the three largest surviving eagle species. Only the massive Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) and the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) rival their size.
Harpy Eagles are not naturally aggressive toward humans, and it’s a good thing because an attack could easily turn deadly. They show little fear for humans, however, leaving them vulnerable to shooting. The only situation where these majestic birds may pose a real threat to an adult human is where their eggs or chicks are threatened.
Other names:
Royal Hawk
Family:
AccipitridaePopulation size:
100000-250000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List
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