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Meet The Harpy Eagle, Named After A Monster In Greek Mythology

July 11, 2018

The harpy eagle is the largest and most powerful raptor found in the rainforest.

Credit: Leon Moore

Early South American explorers named these great birds after harpies, the predatory "frightful, flying creatures with hooked beak and claws" of Greek mythology.

Harpy of Greek Mythology

These majestic birds are found in Mexico (though almost extinct), through Central America and into South America to as far south as Argentina. The eagle is most common in Brazil.

Source: Reddit

The talons on this beast are so large that its main prey are tree-dwelling mammals, such as monkeys and sloths.

Credit: Johannes / darkSoul4Life

The harpy eagle is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the coat of arms of Panama.

Photo by Bjoyn Christian Torrissen

Watch the video below on harpy eagles which includes a rare look inside a nest.