Which eagle is Panama’s national bird and has a prominent feathered crest?

The harpy eagle is Panama’s national bird and is recognized by its prominent feathered crest.

Named after the harpies of Greek mythology, this Neotropical eagle is among the largest and most powerful living eagles. It has broad wings suited to maneuvering through forest, very large talons, and a double-pointed crest that can be raised when the bird is alert.

Harpy eagles live mainly in mature tropical forests from southern Mexico through Central America and into South America. Their diet includes tree-dwelling mammals such as sloths and monkeys, as well as large birds and reptiles. They usually hunt from a perch rather than soaring continuously over open country.

The species is not the same as the Philippine eagle, although both are large forest eagles with crests. Habitat loss, hunting, and the decline of large continuous forests have reduced harpy eagle populations in parts of its range. Panama adopted it as a national symbol because of its strength and cultural importance.