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Harpy Eagle

The Harpy Eagle (*Harpia harpyja*) is a large neotropical eagle and one of the biggest and most powerful birds of prey in the world.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Harpy Eagle (*Harpia harpyja*) is a large neotropical eagle and one of the biggest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. It inhabits tropical lowland forests from southern Mexico through Central and South America and is known for hunting arboreal mammals such as sloths and monkeys. The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Taxonomy and naming

The Harpy Eagle is a neotropical eagle with the scientific name *Harpia harpyja*. Its common name refers to harpies from Greek mythology, reflecting its large size and powerful talons.

Description

The species is one of the largest eagles in the world, with females larger than males. Adults are approximately 89 to 104 cm long, with a wingspan up to about 2 m.

Habitat and range

Harpy Eagles live in tropical lowland forests and rainforest canopies from Mexico to northern Argentina. They depend on large forested areas for hunting and nesting.

Feeding and behaviour

Harpy Eagles are apex predators that specialize in hunting arboreal mammals, especially sloths and monkeys. They also take other animals such as porcupines, macaws, and iguanas.

Conservation

The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Major threats include deforestation, hunting, poaching, and collisions with power lines.

Key facts

  • The Harpy Eagle is among the largest living eagles and is widely described as one of the most powerful raptors.
  • It lives mainly in forested areas of the Neotropics, especially lowland tropical rainforest.
  • Its prey includes sloths, monkeys, porcupines, macaws, and iguanas.
  • The IUCN classifies the species as Vulnerable, with declines linked to habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with power lines.
  • The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama.
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Canadian context

No major direct Canadian connection is evident; the species is native to the Neotropics and is mainly of interest in Canadian wildlife education, zoos, and conservation discussions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Harpy Eagle?
The Harpy Eagle (*Harpia harpyja*) is a large neotropical eagle and one of the world’s most powerful birds of prey.
Where does the Harpy Eagle live?
It lives in tropical lowland forests from southern Mexico through Central America and into South America, reaching northern Argentina.
What does the Harpy Eagle eat?
It mainly hunts sloths, monkeys, porcupines, macaws, iguanas, and other forest animals.
Is the Harpy Eagle endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, not Endangered, though some regional populations are more threatened than the global status suggests.
How big is the Harpy Eagle?
Adults are commonly reported at about 89 to 104 cm in length, with a wingspan up to about 2 m.
Why is it called a Harpy Eagle?
The name comes from harpies in Greek mythology, creatures associated with hooked beaks and claws.

References

  1. Audubon — https://www.audubon.org/news/10-fun-facts-about-harpy-eagle
    Supports: General size and status of the Harpy Eagle as one of the largest and most powerful raptors.
  2. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/harpy-eagle-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Species identification and IUCN Vulnerable conservation status.
  3. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/harpy-eagle
    Supports: Range, size, habitat, and national bird of Panama.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/harpy-eagle-species
    Supports: Size, wingspan, conservation status, and broad decline causes.
  5. The Peregrine Fund — https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/harpy-eagle
    Supports: Rainforest habitat and general description as one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles.
  6. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens — https://lazoo.org/explore-your-zoo/our-animals/birds/harpy-eagle/
    Supports: Scientific name, Vulnerable status, and prey items.