Harpy Eagle: About The National Bird Of Panama

The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama. These powerful eagles live in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are one of the largest eagles in the world. Known for their striking appearance, they are truly majestic birds.

Appearance

Distinctive crest of feathers on their heads that can be raised or lowered.

Double band of feathers around the neck, giving the appearance of a collar.

They prefer tall mature forest with open canopies for habitation.

Get To Know The Harpy Eagle

Size: An Adult Harpy Eagles can have a wingspan of up to 7 feet (over 2 meters) and can weigh between 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kilograms).

Diet: Harpy Eagles are apex predators and mainly feed on tree-dwelling mammals such as sloths, monkeys and opossums. Known for their powerful talons, which can be as large as the claws of a grizzly bear, enabling them to snatch prey from the treetops.

Reproduction: Harpy Eagles are monogamous and mate for life. They typically lay one or two eggs in a large nest made of sticks high up in the canopy. The female is responsible for most of the incubation and care of the chicks.

Threats: Harpy Eagles are considered near-threatened¹ due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting. They are also vulnerable to disturbance and pollution.

Interesting Facts About The Harpy Eagle:

The legs of a Harpy Eagle are as thick as a small child’s wrist, and their talons can be as long as 5 inches (13 cm) – larger than a grizzly bear’s claws!

Close up of the powerful talons of an Harpy Eagle

Harpy Eagles have a “double-jointed” ankle that allows them to rotate their talons to grab prey from different angles.

They are prey on young deer and adult howler monkeys, which can weigh as much as the eagle itself.

Harpy Eagles are a fascinating and majestic birds that play a crucial role in their ecosystems as top predators.

The Harpy Eagle made the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in the year 2021

According to the IUCN database, the Harpy Eagle is suspected to be declining rapidly owing to forest loss and degradation, hunting and persecution. ↩︎

Raise awareness about the vulnerability of the Harpy Eagle. Supporting Harpy Eagle conservation efforts in their habitat countries, helps to ensure the survival of this magnificent bird.