Harpia harpyja

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Harpy eagle
French : Harpie féroce

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the largest eagle species, reaching a length of 105 cm for a weight of 9 kg and a wingspan of 2 meters. Powerful limbs and bill. Plumage dark brown, belly white, black neck. Head grey with erect crown of grey and black feathers.

Range and habitat
This species occurs patchily in Central America, from south Mexico to Panama, then in South America from east Colombia to Bolivia, east to most of Brazil. Lives in lowland tropical forests, often nests in partly cleared forests, up to 800 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species occurs at low density and has a low breeding rate. It is highly vulnerable to deforestation and has disappeared from parts of its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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