The harpy eagle may not be the world’s largest bird (that record goes to the Andean condor), but it arguably is the most powerful.
Their name comes from the half-bird, half-human Harpy from Greek mythology, which was feared for its habit of carrying people away – much like the way harpy eagles prey on tree-dwelling animals such as howler monkeys and brown-throated sloths.
The harpy eagle rips them from the tree branches with their large talons. However, they also prey on smaller animals such as kinkajous, opossums and even the odd snake.
The harpy eagle is one of the world’s largest birds of prey – Getty
Harpy eagles eat tree-dwelling animals such as howler monkeys, brown-throated sloths and kinkajous – Getty
The talons of a harpy eagle are the longest of any raptor, with its hind claw measuring up to 7cm long – Getty
Harpy eagles are capable of ripping sloths and monkeys from branches, thanks to their powerful feet and talons – BBC Natural History via Getty
Harpy eagles are named after Harpies – half-bird, half-human creatures from Greek mythology – Getty
Harpies can be found from southern Mexico to north-east Argentina, and they are the national bird of Panama – Getty
Harpy eagle chicks have white down and fledge between 6-7 months – Getty
Its long tail acts as a rudder as it flies from tree to tree – Getty
Harpy eagle carrying a tufted capuchin – Jiang Chunsheng