HARPY EAGLE

*Harpy Eagle – The “Owl of the Sky”

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Introduction
The *Harpy Eagle (_Harpia harpyja_)* is one of the world’s most powerful and majestic raptors, often mistakenly called the “Harpy Owl” due to its massive, rounded head and striking facial features. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, it reigns as the apex predator of the canopy, rivaling the strength of a small bear.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* _Harpia harpyja_ (Linnaeus, 1758).
- *Family:* Accipitridae (hawks, eagles, kites).
- *Common names:* Harpy Eagle, “Queen of the Rainforest”.
- *Note:* Despite the nickname “Harpy Owl,” it belongs to the eagle family, not owls (Strigiformes).

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Description
- *Size:* One of the largest eagles.
- Wingspan: *~2 m (6.5 ft)*.
- Length: *~90–110 cm (35–43 in)*.
- Weight: *4–9 kg (9–20 lb)*.
- *Plumage:* Dark slate‑gray upperparts, white underparts, a broad black band across the chest.
- *Head:* Large, double‑crested (tuft of feathers) giving a “crowned” look; facial disc of feathers that channels sound—similar to owls.
- *Talons:* Massive, up to *13 cm (5 in)* long, stronger than a grizzly bear’s claws; can crush a monkey’s skull.
- *Eyes:* Forward‑facing, amber‑yellow, excellent binocular vision.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Range:* From southern Mexico through Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to the Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia, Paraguay).
- *Habitat:* Primary, undisturbed lowland tropical rainforest, up to *800 m (2,600 ft)* elevation. Requires tall emergent trees for nesting and hunting.

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Behavior & Ecology
Hunting & Diet
- *Prey:* Primarily arboreal mammals—*sloths*, *howler monkeys*, *capuchin monkeys*, *kinkajous*, *porcupines*, *large birds* (curassows, guans).
- *Technique:* Perches silently on a high branch, then swoops with *up to 80 km/h (50 mph)* speed. Its broad, short wings allow maneuverability among dense foliage.
- *Talons:* Crushes prey instantly; can lift *≈ half its body weight*.

Reproduction
- *Monogamous pairs* often lifelong.
- *Nest:* Massive platform of sticks, *up to 2 m (6 ft)* wide, built high in emergent trees (30–50 m above ground).
- *Egg:* Usually *1* (rarely 2), incubated *≈ 56 days*.
- *Chick:* Fledged *≈ 6 months*, remains dependent for *≈ 2 years*.

Vocalizations
- Deep, resonant *“kraw-kraw-kraw”* calls, echoing through the canopy. Unlike owls, they are not nocturnal, so calls are heard at dawn/dusk.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Near Threatened (2023)*.
- *Threats:*
- *Habitat loss* – deforestation for logging, agriculture (soy, palm oil), mining.
- *Hunting* – mistaken for a threat to livestock or for trophies.
- *Illegal pet trade*.
- *Protection:* Listed on *CITES Appendix I*. National parks (e.g., Amazon, Darién) provide refuge, but enforcement remains a challenge.

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Cultural Significance
- *Indigenous myths:* In many Amazonian cultures, the Harpy Eagle is a *spiritual symbol of power*, sometimes feared as a guardian of the forest.
- *Modern icon:* Appears on *national emblems (e.g., Panama)*, conservation logos, and eco‑tourism branding.

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Quick Facts Table
Feature Detail
Wingspan ~2 m (6.5 ft)
Weight 4–9 kg (9–20 lb)
Lifespan (wild) ~25–35 yr
Nest size Up to 2 m wide, 1 m deep
Main prey Sloths, monkeys, large birds
Conservation Near Threatened (IUCN)
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Sources: IUCN Red List, _Handbook of the Birds of the World_ (HBW), BirdLife International.