Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
The largest bird of prey in the Americas and Panama's national bird. With a wingspan of up to 2 metres and powerful talons the size of a bear's claws, this majestic eagle hunts sloths and monkeys in the canopy.
The harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of the most powerful birds of prey in the world. With a wingspan of up to 2 metres and talons the size of a grizzly bear's claws, it can snatch prey of up to 9 kg straight out of the treetops. Its diet consists mainly of sloths and monkeys.
In Panama, the harpy eagle is the national bird and a symbol of rainforest protection. It nests in the tallest trees of undisturbed primary forests, especially in Darién National Park. A pair raises a single chick only every two to three years.
Due to habitat loss and hunting, the species is endangered. Panama has several protection programmes, including the Harpy Eagle Center near Panama City.
- Kind
- bird
- Season
- year_round
- Habitat
- Lowland tropical rainforest and undisturbed primary forest up to 800 m elevation.