Meet The Harpy Eagle, The Largest And Most Powerful Eagle That Is As Big As A Human

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Harpy Eagles are among the world's largest and most powerful eagles. Their rear talons are about 3-4 inches long. That is the size as a claws if a grizzly bear. In fact, these birds can grow so large they can be mistaken for a person in a costume.

Like many other birds of prey, harpy eagles continue to bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest after the chick has hatched. Some researchers think this helps keep insects and parasites away, and provides a cooler environment for the nestling.

Interestingly, females are much larger than males. A female harpy can weigh up to two times more than her mate. Females typically weigh 6 to 9 kg. An exceptionally large captive female called Jezebel weighed 12.3kg! It is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the rainforest.







Haroy eagles are named after harpies, the creatures from Greek mythology. These were wind spirits that took the dead to the underworld and were said to have a body like a vulture and the face of a woman.

The eagle is most common in Brazil. It used to inhabit most of Central America, but is now almost extinct. Deforestation and shooting are the two main threats to the survival of harpy eagles.

The harpy eagle's most common prey is sloths. They also hunt monkeys, porcupines, anteaters, and even land carnivores. The eagle may also attack bird species such as macaws.

Harpy eagles can lift prey equal their own body weight. This allows them to snatch a live sloth from tree beaches, as well as other proportionately huge prey items.











Harpy eagles mate for life, only raising one chick every 2-3 years. When the chich is 36 days old, it can stand and walk, albeit awkwardly. The chick fledged at the age of 6 months but the parents continue to feed it for another 6-10 months.

The harpy eagle is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the coat of arms of Panama. The bird appear on the reverse side of the Venezuelan 2,000 bolivares fuertes notes. It was also the inspiration behind the design of Fawkes the Phoenix in the Harry Potter film series.