It is difficult to distinguish between the plumage of males from female harpies. Interesting thing is that harpy females are twice as large as males.

Description

Harpy refers to the species of eagles. She worthily takes first places in various nominations of birds of the eagle families. The female reaches a weight of up to 10 kilograms, but the males are small. The weight of males does not exceed 5 kilograms. Also, these birds have a body length of just over a meter. Life expectancy of these unique feathered predators in the wild can reach an average of 25 - 35 years.

Harpies see well and far. She, like all eagles, can find small prey at a great distance. Also, this predator hears well. Amazing hearing happens with the help of facial feathers. This ability to hear well is observed in birds of prey of the owl family.

Despite its impressive body size, harpies hunt well in dense tropical forests. These birds are practically powerless at night:

• The sharp vision of these eagles at night is reduced to zero. Even a person with his simple vision at night sees better than harpies;
• Harpies have almost no sense of smell;
• The only thing that a harpy can save at night is her hearing.

Hunting and food

Harpies prey on various prey. Hunting places are diverse. These eagles easily track the prey in the dense forests, as well as on the banks of the rivers.

The following animals and birds are the main prey for harpies in various South American countries:

• Mexico.In this country, harpies catch iguanas, spider monkeys;
• Belize In the forests of this state, gray foxes, porcupines, possums, monkeys become prey for harpies;
• Panama. Small pigs and deer, monkeys, macaw parrots and other large birds, as well as sloths, make up the diet in this country;
• Ecuador. Red howlers and numerous tree mammals, as well as sloths and iguanas, are the favorite treats of harpies.

Often these huge feathered predators attack livestock. They do not disdain poultry, including chickens. These robber raids cause concern among farmers who are teaming up to destroy the harpies.

Social structure and lifestyle

Often these predators are seen sitting on tall trees. They can sit for hours and look out for their prey. The wingspan of these eagles is large, but less than their relatives in the family. But the harpies have a long tail. Thanks to its tail, this predator quickly flies in dense forests.

This eagle stands out among all birds of prey with great speed and strength. It can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Seeing the prey, the harpy dives at it and, in a few seconds, kills its lives strong. She does not eat prey on the spot, but carries it to her nest. Harpy mainly hunts large animals. The family has enough food for several days. In famine, according to hunters, these predators can live about a week without food.

Between themselves, these birds communicate with loud screams.

Breeding

Harpies start looking for a mate at the age of four or five.They are very faithful, and therefore, having created a couple, the harpies live together until the end of their lives.

Their harpy nests are built high. The nests of these birds are small in diameter. But the depth of the nest can reach a meter. They make them from tree branches.

Each year, pairs of harpies repair their nests, but can make new ones if their nest can no longer be repaired.

The female lays only two eggs. As soon as the first chick hatches, the second egg is ignored. Parents feed only one chick. It grows quickly, so the male is forced to spend a large amount of time on the hunt. The chick is in the nest for up to two years. After that, a practically adult bird leaves its parents and begins to live independently.

Harpy Enemies

These birds are large, so they have practically no enemies. Sometimes they can be attacked by a jaguar. Young harpies often fall prey to bloodthirsty ocelots.

Since the chick lives under the protection of its parents for up to two years, the nest fully protects the young harpy. In nature, there are no predators who want to feast on harpy nestlings. After all, even a large chick is guarded by two strong and cruel birds.

The main enemy of the harpies is man. Farmers often shoot flying birds to protect their livestock. Also, a person develops impenetrable forests, and expel harpies from their usual habitats.