The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is the largest eagle in the Americas and one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world. With their unusual crest of head feathers, they resemble Harpies, the half woman, half vulture creatures of ancient Greek mythology.

Along with hawks and kites, the Harpy Eagle is a member of the Family Accipitridae. The group comprises a very wide variety of species that live in nearly all habitat types and continents.

These majestic birds are threatened particularly by habitat fragmentation and degradation. Many people also kill Harpy Eagles when the raptors threaten or attack domestic animals. They are often seen in the Darien region of Panama and in Iwokrama Mountains in Guyana.

Harpy Eagles live in scattered virgin forests, far from human habitation, through much of Central and South America. They nest about 40 metres (131 ft.) up in massive silk-cotton trees, and like many other eagles, use sticks for nesting material.

These massive hunters search the canopies of undisturbed lowland tropical rain forest looking for their usual prey of sloths and monkeys or other large arboreal animals. They have enhanced hearing and acute vision; they can spot a 2 centimetre object from 200 metres (219 yds.) away. However, their sense of taste and smell are poorly developed.

Harpy Eagles mate for life; they build a large nest made of sticks and twigs. Nests are usually located very high (often over 130 ft=40 m) in trees or on cliffs. Females lay 1-2 eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time), but only one survives. The incubation period is about 53 to 56 days. Both parents care for the young.