Bocas Species Database

Habitat: This species is very rare. However, you may have more chances to observe it in extensively forested areas in lowlands and foothills.   Distribution: The Harpy eagle has been reported from southern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. In Panama, very few specimens have been reported recently in Bocas del Toro and Darién.   Natural History Notes: The Harpy eagle is the only species of the genus Harpia. It is the national bird of Panama, and is depicted on the national Coat of arms. This eagle is a rapid carnivore hunter. It will prey mostly on tree mammals such as monkeys and sloths and may also attack other bird species. The Harpy Eagle can exert a pressure of 42 kgf cm² with its talons It can also lift more than three-quarters of its body weight. Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Near Threatened (NT).   Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 89 cm and 1.2 m (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). This very large eagle is strongly built and is considered to be the most powerful bird of prey in the world. The wings are broad and this bird has a long tail. The plumage consists in a gray head and neck that contrast with the large two-pointed black crest that gives this bird a royal appearance. The feathers on the upperparts are black with their edges gray colored. The underparts are white with black stripped thighs. The long tail is black but shows three large gray bands and a gray tip. The wings are white and banded with black.