Harpy Eagle
Name: Harpy EagleScientific Name: Harpia harpyja
Basic Information:
This eagle is found mainly in the Americas. These Eagles are among the largest eagles alive today. A female Harpy can grow to 1.10 m in length and have a 2 m wingspan while weighing 6 - 8 kg. Males are much smaller in comparison, weighing between 4 - 6 kg. For the most part these predatory birds have a dark grey body with a cream colored belly and a light grey head. These high flying carnivores feast on small to medium sized mammals such as monkeys, sloths, and coatis. They've also been known to attack other species of birds. The Harpy's powerful talons and wing strength allow it to lift creatures that weigh over half its body weight. The talons can reach 13 cm in length. Harpys lay two eggs, of which one hatches and the chick is raised by the parents for 8-16 months.
Habitat Information:
Tropical Rain Forest - Found near and along the equator, tropical rain forests contain the world's most diverse and complex ecosystems. The most famous rain forest is the Amazon of South America, containing amazing species such as the vitória-régia, the world's largest flower, which can grow larger than 6 feet according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Harpys at Windaroo:
These powerful carnivores have their own habitats at the zoo. They are known to show aggression towards other birds so they are only allowed to interact with a few other harpys. These birds can be found near the other bird exhibits in the aviary.
Related Animals:
Cassowary
Iguana
Okapi
A-Z Animal List