Harpy Eagle Near Threatened

22 Nov 2008By Kimberly

harpyeagle-pd Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes or
Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Harpia
Species: H. harpyja

The Harpy Eagle is a carnivorous raptor. In fact, it’s the largest and most powerful one found in the Americas.

This eagle particular inhabits tropical lowland forests, where it stays in the upper canopy, presumably for a better viewpoint for prey.

Males and females having the same coloration, they are slate black on the back and back of wings, and white underneath including their bellies. Their head is a pale gray color.

Although the same in color, males are almost half the size of the female.

They boast talons up to 5 inches long – WOW! Their wingspan can reach up to 6′7″…that’s unbelievable!

They are known to attack arboreal species of mammals, such as sloths and monkeys, not to mention other large birds, such as macaws.

Conservation Status:
The Harpy Eagle is a species that is Near Threatened.

Why?
Mostly because of hunting and logging. This eagle is mostly only found in remote parts of the Amazonian Basin. In some more recent news, it has tentatively returned to Belize.

For more information on how to Help Save Harpy Eagles, check out The Peregrine Fund’s Harpy Eagle Conservation Effort and be sure to check out the How You Can Help section!

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I hope you found this Bird post information on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards