Harpy Eagle

Harpy Eagle

Harpia harpyja

Vulnerable

One of the world’s largest and most powerful birds, the Harpy Eagle has a fearsome reputation. These impressive raptors prey on monkeys and other large prey by snatching them from the forest canopy with oversized feet and talons.

Appearance and Identification

Primary Color

Grey

Primary Color (female)

Grey

Primary Color (juvenile)

Brown

Secondary Colors

White, Black

Secondary Colors (female)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (juvenile)

White, Black

Secondary Colors (seasonal)

Wing Color

Black

Wing Color (female)

Black

Wing Color (juvenile)

Brown

Beak Type

Hooked

Beak Color

Grey

Beak Color (female)

Grey

Beak Color (juvenile)

Black

Leg Color

Yellow

Leg Color (female)

Yellow

Leg Color (juvenile)

Yellow

Distinctive Markings

Black back and wings, pale grey head and neck, white belly and legs

Distinctive Markings (female)

Similar to male but larger in size

Distinctive Markings (juvenile)

Darker than adults, less contrast between colors

Tail Description

Long, black with three grey bands

Tail Description (female)

Long, black with three grey bands

Tail Description (juvenile)

Long, black with three brown bands

Size Metrics

87cm to 107cm

Length

176cm to 224cm

Wingspan

4kg to 9kg

Weight

Photos

Click on an image below to see the full-size version

Video

Vocalization and Sounds

Primary Calls

Sharp, high-pitched whistles

Call Description

Series of whistles, often repeated in a pattern

Alarm Calls

Loud, sharp screams signaling distress or alert

Behavior and Social Structure

Daily Activities

Active during the day, hunting in the early morning and late afternoon

Social Habits

Solitary, pairs only seen during breeding season

Territorial Behavior

Defends large territories, especially during mating season

Migratory Patterns

None, remains in territory year-round

Interaction with Other Species

Rarely interacts with other bird species

Diet

Primary Diet

Monkeys, Sloths

Feeding Habits

Hunts from a perch, swooping down to catch prey

Feeding Times

Early morning and late afternoon

Prey Capture Method

Catches prey in mid-air or plucks from tree branches

Diet Variations

Varies with prey availability, will also eat birds and reptiles

Special Dietary Needs (if any)

None known

Nesting

Nesting Location

High in tree canopy, often in emergent trees

Nest Construction

Large platform of sticks, lined with fresh leaves

Breeding Season

Varies with location, usually during dry season

Egg Appearance

White, slightly speckled

Egg Size

Approximately 6cm x 8cm

Clutch Characteristics

One egg, occasionally two

Incubation Period

Around 56 days

Fledgling Period

Approximately 6 months

Parental Care

Both parents feed chick, but female does most of the care

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina

Habitat Description

Tropical rainforests, up to 1500m elevation

Elevation Range

Sea level to 900m

Migration Patterns

None, remains in territory year-round

Biome

Tropical rainforest

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

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.

© 2024 - Birdfact

Resident or Present

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

Lifespan and Life Cycle

Lifespan range (years)

35

45

Average Lifespan

30 year(s)

Maturity Age

4-5 year(s)

Breeding Age

5-6 year(s)

Reproductive Behavior

Monogamous, mates for life

Age-Related Changes

None known

Conservation Status

Current Status

Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)

Major Threats

Habitat destruction, hunting

Conservation Efforts

Protected in many countries, conservation programs in place

Population Trend

Population decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting

FAQs

Is a Harpy Eagle stronger than the Bald Eagle?

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!

Is the Harpy Eagle the biggest eagle in the world?

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.

Are Harpy Eagles aggressive to humans?

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.

Classification

Other names:

Royal Hawk

Family:

Accipitridae

Population size:

100000-250000

Population trend:

Decreasing

Conservation status:

Vulnerable

IUCN Red List

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