BOTD (1/?): Harpy Eagle- Harpia harpyja 

Bird of the Day!
Day 1: March 1/ 2017
The Harpy Eagle is one of the largest and heaviest birds of prey. Located in the rain forests of Central and South America they weigh in at around 11lbs and their wingspan can reach up to 7 feet (the females can weigh nearly double the amount of the males)

They are predominantly grey-dark grey birds with a white chest and belly, and a crest that can be raised when the bird feels threatened. They also have very powerful legs and talons (up to 5 in. in length) that allow them to carry up to 3/4 of their body weight.

Harpy Eagles are carnivorous and eat a variety of animals including monkeys, sloths, deer and other birds. Their exceptional vision aiding them in locating prey that are usually camouflaged.

Harpy Eagles have a very slow breeding cycle, only nesting every 2-3 years. The female lays one or two eggs in the nest that they reuse year after year but only one chick survives.

Thanks for reading! Pictures are not mine unless stated otherwise.