Harpy Eagle facts and Harpy Eagle Pictures

The harpy eagle may be named for the Harpies of ancient Greek mythology. The Harpies were creatures with the heads of women and the bodies of birds of prey. These legendary Harpies were sent to punish people by carrying off their food. However, this superb bird of Central and South America does not really resemble the Harpies of mythology.

Their strange name may come from the Greek “harpazein” which means “to seize.” The Greeks called falcons and kites “harpe.” The Roman naturalist Pliny calls the vulture “harpe” as well. The harpy eagle, like these other birds, is a bird of prey. It is about three feet long, and its body is covered with magnificent plumage. The head and neck are soft grey;
the crest, wings, tail and upper part of the body are a handsome slate-grey; the under- parts are white, as are the feathers on the legs. The beak and claws are dark and the skin of the legs is yellowish. The birds’ bright eyes are constantly alert. The harpy eagle’s head has a double crest of feathers which the bird can raise or lower at will.
Small creatures of the jungle are defence- less against the lightning speed of the harpy eagle, and few animals are able to enter into competition with it. It flies tirelessly above the tall trees or perches on a high branch, almost hidden in the dense foliage. When it has sighted its prey, whether this be a macaw, a monkey, or a sloth, the eagle drops down on it with incredible speed through intertwined branches, lianas and bushes, and seizes it in its strong claws. The eagle’s feet and talons are so big that they almost seem out of proportion with the rest of the bird’s body.

Thus armed for the struggle, this constant struggle, that puts natural selection into operation at every moment within the teeming life of tropical forests, the harpy eagle probably dies a natural death, unless some disease or injury weakens it so that it becomes the victim of another predator. Most of the Indian tribes in the basin of the Amazon regard the harpy eagle as honourable enemy. The blood, fat and droppings of the bird are used as bases for native medicines, supposedly good for a number of diseases. The Jndian who is skilful or lucky enough to bring down a harpy eagle does not let anyone forget the fact. He adorns his head with the big strong feathers from the wings and tail of his trophy.  Finding a nest of this bird is a very difficult enterprise, although the nest is large and sturdy. The harpy eagle nests in as high a tree as possible, in well-hidden, almost inaccessible spots. The female lays two eggs. As with most eagles, the young stay in the nest for a long period before they are able to fly. Both parents help feed the young. The harpy eagles do well in captivity and are found in many zoos.

Harpy Eagle Pictures: