The harpy eagle is regarded as the most powerful eagle in the Amazon Rainforest.
Harpy eagles live mainly in mature tropical forests from southern Mexico through Central and South America. Their broad wings and relatively short tails help them maneuver between trees, while their exceptionally strong legs and talons allow them to capture substantial arboreal prey.
Sloths and monkeys are among their documented prey, although the species also takes other tree-dwelling animals. Harpy eagles usually hunt from perches rather than soaring constantly over open country, an adaptation suited to dense forest.
The species is often called the “harpy eagle,” not the “Amazon eagle.” It is also important not to confuse it with the Philippine eagle or crowned eagle, which are powerful forest eagles from different regions. Habitat loss and the removal of large nesting trees threaten harpy eagle populations in parts of its range.