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Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyjaAmazon region

  • Generalities
  • Morpho-functionality
  • Lifecycle
  • Distribution

RECORRIDO VIRTUAL POR LA BIODIVERSIDAD DE COLOMBIA
Museo de Historia Natural
Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja

It is the most powerful raptor in the world for its strength and ability to hunt large animals. Their length is approximately 100 cm, 200 cm in span and weighs up to 9 kg. The females are usually larger than the males. They feed mainly on small and medium-sized mammals, reptiles and other birds.

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the Wild

Critically Endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near Threatened

Least Concern

Not Evaluated

Data Deficient

Morpho-functionality

Beak

Its hooked and curved beak allows it to tear the meat of its prey and be able to swallow the meat in smaller pieces since they cannot chew.

Wings

The wings of this eagle, despite being so powerful, are smaller compared to other species and this wingspan allows it to fly through the treetops without a problem.

Claws

The claws allow it to capture and pierce its prey, killing it almost immediately.

Lifecycle

These eagles form permanent pairs, the female lays two eggs but the first chick that is born will grab all the attention of the parents and will survive. The incubation lasts an average of 56 days, the female is in charge of incubating them and the male of feeding the female during that time. At birth, the chick is raised by both parents for ten months, although at the sixth or seventh it has its permanent plumage.

This bird reaches maturity at five or six years of age. Its life expectancy is estimated to be 25 to 35 years. The harpy couple only have one chick every two to three years.

Harpy Eagle

Distribution

It lives in the canopy of lowland trees in tropical rainforests that range from southern Mexico to eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. It prefers forests without disturbances but also hunts in open areas. It generally stays in the middle to upper levels of the rainforest canopy where it finds their favorite preys.

Distribution area