No, there are no Harpy Eagles (Harpia harpyja) in the state of Iowa. Harpy Eagles are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and are not found in the United States, including the state of Iowa.
Eagles Found in Iowa
While Harpy Eagles are not present in Iowa, the state is home to two species of eagles:
- Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Bald Eagles in Iowa
Bald Eagles are typically found near large bodies of open water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, in Iowa. They feed primarily on fish but will also eat waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. Adult Bald Eagles have a distinctive white head and tail with a dark brown body and wings. Their wingspan can reach up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters), and they can weigh between 5.5 and 15 pounds (2.5 and 7 kilograms).
Golden Eagles in Iowa
Golden Eagles in Iowa are more rare than Bald Eagles and are typically found in the western and north-central parts of the state. They prefer open habitats, such as grasslands, deserts, and tundra. Golden Eagles feed on a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adult Golden Eagles have a dark brown body and wings with a golden-brown head and neck. Their wingspan can reach up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters), and they can weigh between 6.6 and 15 pounds (3 to 6.8 kilograms).
Identifying Eagles in Iowa
Image source: Harpy Eagle by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
To identify eagles in Iowa, it’s important to look for the distinctive features of each species. Bald Eagles have a white head and tail, while Golden Eagles have a golden-brown head and neck. Both species have large wingspans and can be impressive to observe in the wild.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Raptor Resource Project provide valuable resources for identifying and observing eagles in the state. These resources include information on eagle behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are no Harpy Eagles in Iowa, the state is home to two species of eagles: the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle. Both species are impressive birds of prey with distinct characteristics and habitats. For more information on identifying and observing eagles in Iowa, be sure to check out the resources provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Raptor Resource Project.
