The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is one of the world's largest birds of prey, reaching over three feet
from head to tail. This awesome predator is a powerful flyer, able to pluck a sloth or monkey off a
tree branch. It gets its name from a mythical Greek demon that preyed on peoplealthough this species has
more to fear from humans that vice versa. It is increasingly rareespecially near human settlements where
there is a lack of suitable prey. It is occasionally hunted for feathers, beak and talons. These may be used
for shamanistic ceremonies or sold to tourists.
|