What is a harpie eagle?

The harpy eagle (_Harpia harpyja_) is one of the largest raptorial birds in the world. It is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The harpy eagle is the apex predator of its environment and is important for maintaining the health of the rainforest ecosystem.

Characteristics:

- The harpy eagle is sexually dimorphic, with females being larger than males. Females can measure up to 1m in length and weigh up to 9kg.

- The wingspan of the harpy eagle can reach 2m.

- The upper plumage of adults is blackish slate, and a lighter slate colour underneath, with a black and white banded tail.

- The head is black with a prominent crest of narrow, blackish feathers.

Diet:

- The harpy eagle primarily preys on arboreal mammals, especially sloths, monkeys and arboreal rodents, but it has been known to hunt on-the-ground animals, including anteaters and deer.

- The harpy eagle uses its powerful feet with long talons to crush the skulls of it victims.

Habitat:

- The harpy eagle inhabits undisturbed lowland and low mountain forests.

- It ranges from Mexico in the north to South America (excluding Chile).

- It is most common in the Amazon Basin and less abundant in Central America and the Chocó in South America.

Conservation:

- The harpy eagle is classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN.

- The main threats to the harpy eagle are habitat loss and hunting.