Animals of Brazil: the harpy eagle
03-11-2025
Today, let's take a look at one of the most impressive birds on the continent: the harpy eagle. This large forest raptor inhabits the canopy of South America's tropical forests and can be seen in Brazil in the Foz do Iguaçu region and in the vast Amazon basin.
Often referred to as the “royal eagle of the tropics,” the harpy eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in the world, with a wingspan of up to two meters and weighing up to nine kilograms. Its talons, among the most powerful in the avian kingdom, enable it to subdue robust prey such as tree-dwelling monkeys and small deer, making it an essential predator for the balance of the forest ecosystem. When it feels threatened, it raises a crest of black feathers, accentuating its intimidating appearance.
A symbol of Brazilian megafauna, the harpy eagle is nevertheless seeing its numbers decline, mainly due to the advance of deforestation. Estimates suggest that around 50,000 individuals remain in the wild. Endemic to the Atlantic and Amazonian forests, it embodies the fragility of tropical environments and the urgent need to preserve them.
Photo : Jamile Cesar