The Black Eagle, also known as the Harpy Eagle, is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world. With a wingspan reaching up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) and a body length of around 36 to 42 inches (90 to 105 cm), the Harpy Eagle is an impressive sight to behold.

The Impressive Size of the Black Eagle

Females of the species are larger than males, with adult females weighing between 12 to 20 lbs (5.5 to 9 kg) and males weighing between 9 to 13 lbs (4 to 6 kg). This size difference is common among birds of prey, where the larger females are better equipped to defend their nests and young.

The Harpy Eagle’s plumage is primarily black, grey, and white, with a slight variation between young and adults. The facial disk feathers can be lowered or lifted at will, similar to an owl, to direct sound waves to their ears for improved hearing. Its eyesight is eight times better than humans, and when locked on a potential meal, they fly below the forest canopy and swoop in to catch their prey.

Nesting and Breeding Habits

Image source: Black Eagle by Mike Prince

The Harpy Eagle is a monogamous bird, with a lifespan of 35 to 45 years. It reproduces every 2 or 3 years and lays one or two eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties for approximately two months. The Harpy Eagle builds massive nests out of sticks, with a size of a double bed and located 30-50 meters (100-165 feet) from the ground.

Feeding Habits and Threats

The Harpy Eagle is an apex predator, feeding on sloths, opossums, and monkeys. It is a stealthy hunter, gliding across the forest like a drone to surprise its prey. Despite its impressive size and power, the Harpy Eagle faces threats from habitat loss and deforestation, with each pair requiring 4,000-11,000 hectares of territory to thrive properly.

Comparison to Other Large Eagles

While the Harpy Eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world, it is not the largest eagle. That distinction goes to the Giant Philippine Eagle, which can have a wingspan of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) and weigh up to 20 lbs (9 kg). However, the Harpy Eagle is still an impressive and awe-inspiring bird of prey.

Conclusion

In summary, the Black Eagle, or Harpy Eagle, is a large and powerful raptor found in the rainforests of Central and South America. With a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and a body length of around 36 to 42 inches, it is one of the largest and most impressive birds of prey in the world. Despite its size and power, the Harpy Eagle faces threats from habitat loss and deforestation, and it is important to protect this magnificent species for future generations.

References:
– 10 Fun Facts About the Harpy Eagle – National Audubon Society, https://www.audubon.org/news/10-fun-facts-about-harpy-eagle
– Harpy Eagle Facts: Amazon’s Great Hunter | Latin Roots Travel, https://latinrootstravel.com/fortheblog/harpy-eagle-facts/
– Giant Philippine eagle: the world’s largest eagle known as the ‘monkey-eating eagle’, https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-giant-philippine-eagle/.