The harpy eagle is the top aerial predator of the American rainforest, snatching sloths and monkeys from the canopy. It needs large areas of intact forest and has disappeared from much of Central America.
Interesting facts
- It is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world.
- Its relatively short, broad wings let it manoeuvre between trees.
- Facial feathers form a disc that may help direct sound to its ears.
- Pairs raise one chick every two to three years.
- Sloths are among its most important prey.
- It is Panama’s national bird.
Behaviour
Harpies hunt from perches, watching for prey before a short, fast attack through the trees. They nest in the tallest emergent trees, often kapok or Brazil nut trees.
Breeding and young
The female lays one or two eggs, but usually only one chick is raised. Young remain dependent on their parents for more than a year.
Threats and conservation
Deforestation, shooting and very slow reproduction.
Where to see it
- Tambopata and Manu, Peru
- Northern Pantanal and Amazon lodges, Brazil
- Darién, Panama
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the harpy eagle
Rupununi and Iwokrama: Guyana’s Wild InteriorGuyana's interior is one of the least-visited wild places in South America, with giant anteaters, jaguars and harpy…
Panama Wildlife: Soberanía, Pipeline Road and the CanalRainforest begins just outside Panama City. Pipeline Road, the canal and beyond offer some of the easiest wildlife…
