Morphnus guianensis

(Daudin, 1800)

Vernacular names
English : Crested eagle
French : Harpie huppée

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

Identification
The species grows up to 89 cm in length and a weight of 1.9 kg. Very large eagle with a crown-like crest around head. Plumage dark brown to black on wings and back. Belly white with more or less visible spotting. Dark to light grey head.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in central America, sparsely from south Mexico to Panama and south America from Colombia and Guianas to south Brazil and Bolivia. Lives in lowland tropical forests, rarely above 1000 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species’ low population density, low fecundity rate, big size and dependence on intact forests are all potential threats for its long term survival.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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