No, there are no Harpy Eagles in India. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a large and powerful bird of prey found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, but not in India.

The Largest Eagles Found in India

While India is home to a diverse range of eagle species, the Harpy Eagle is not one of them. The largest eagle species found in India is the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which is slightly smaller and darker in plumage compared to the nominate subspecies found in other parts of the world.

Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is a large, powerful bird of prey that is found in various parts of India, including the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the central and northern regions of the country. These eagles are known for their impressive size, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and a body length of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet).

Despite their impressive size, the Golden Eagles found in India are slightly smaller and darker in plumage compared to the nominate subspecies found in other parts of the world. This is likely due to the unique environmental conditions and habitat found in the Indian subcontinent.

Other Eagle Species in India

In addition to the Golden Eagle, India is home to a variety of other eagle species, including:

1. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
2. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
3. Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)
4. Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
5. Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
6. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)
7. Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)

These eagles can be found in various habitats across India, from the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas to the dense forests of the Western Ghats and the open grasslands of the central and northern regions.

The Philippine Eagle: A Potential Confusion

Image source: Harpy Eagle by cuatrok77

While the Harpy Eagle is not found in India, there is another large eagle species that is sometimes confused with it: the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). The Philippine Eagle is the largest and most powerful eagle in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) and a body length of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet).

However, the Philippine Eagle is not found in India, but rather in the Philippines, where it is the national bird. The Philippine Eagle is a critically endangered species, with only a few hundred individuals remaining in the wild.

Conclusion

In summary, there are no Harpy Eagles in India. The largest eagle species found in India is the Golden Eagle, which is slightly smaller and darker in plumage compared to the nominate subspecies found in other parts of the world. India is home to a diverse range of eagle species, but the Harpy Eagle is not one of them. The Philippine Eagle, which is sometimes confused with the Harpy Eagle, is also not found in India, but rather in the Philippines.

References:

1. The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Tawny Eagle | The Peregrine Fund. Retrieved from https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/tawny-eagle
2. Eagles of India | Raptors | Indian Birds – YouTube. (2016, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XQlMgsWhOg
3. ThePrint. (2019, November 2). World’s largest eagle ‘rescued’ in Odisha, but experts say ‘doesn’t look like it’. Retrieved from https://theprint.in/india/worlds-largest-eagle-rescued-in-odisha-but-experts-say-doesnt-look-like-it/314979/
4. Wikipedia. (2021, November 24). Golden eagle. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_eagle
5. Global Raptor Information Network. (2021). Species account: Tawny Eagle. Retrieved from http://www.globalraptors.org/grin/Species/Eagles/Aquila_rapax.