Predator Birds in the Rain Forest

Predator birds use their keen senses to hunt for food. From high up in the trees of the rain forest, they are able to see their prey and, despite their large size, swoop down and seize it quickly, using their sharp beaks and talons. Rain forests provide them with the environment and sources of food required to maintain their existence.

  1. Harpy Eagle

    • Harpia harpyja is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. It lives in the rain forests of South and Central America, from Mexico to Brazil. The eagle can weigh up to 20 pounds, with a wingspan of more than 6 feet, and have hind talons the size of grizzly bear claws. Harpies prey on monkeys, sloths, opossums and aardvarks and can carry prey up to half their own weight. Despite their size, they are capable of quickly pursuing their prey through trees. The Harpy Eagle builds its nest in the tallest trees in the rain forest. Young harpies stay with the parents for over a year. Their numbers are decreasing due to extensive clearing of rain forests.

    Lesser Sooty Owl

    • Tyto multipuctata live in the tropical rain forests of North Queensland, Australia. They have mask-like black eyes and grayish-white bodies with dark grey breast. Females average 15 inches and males 13 inches in height. Their outer toes are reversible, making it possible for them to grip their prey from four directions. They utilize their night vision and excellent hearing to hunt at night. Lesser Sooty owls prey on rodents, possums and birds. They live in tree crevices and do not stray far from their territory. Their biggest predator is man, through pesticide usage and clearing of trees.

    Red-tailed Hawk

    • Buteo jamaicensis, the largest of hawks, lives in areas from Central America through North America. It adapts to various habitats and diverse food sources. The red-tailed hawk measures 17 to 22 inches long with a wingspan up to 56 inches. Despite this size, it weighs less than 4 pounds. There are several subspecies, all having distinctive red tail feathers. This predator hunts while perched as well as while it is in flight, having the ability to spot its prey from 100 feet up. Since it adapts to native prey, it feeds on mammals, rodents, birds and insects. The red-tailed hawk nests high in the forks of large trees and uses the same nest each year.

    Philippine Eagle

    • Pithecophaga jefferyi is one of the largest and rarest birds of prey in the world and lives in the Philippine islands of Luzon, Leyte, Mindanao and Samar. Its habitat is the steep slopes and riverbanks of the rain forest, nesting in tall trees. It grows to 40 inches in length with a wingspan of 6-1/2 feet wide. The Philippine eagle preys on monkeys, squirrels, owls, hawks, bats, lizards and snakes. It waits perched in the rain forest canopy for its prey. Its numbers are diminishing due to deforestation and human encroachment.