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|infraclass=Neoaves
|infraclass=Neoaves
|superorder=Passerimorphae
|superorder=Passerimorphae
|order=Ciconiiformes
|order=Falconiformes
|suborder=Ciconii
|suborder=
|infraorder=Falconides
|infraorder=Falconides
|superfamily=
|superfamily=
|conservation=Near threatened<ref>http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/144488/0</ref>
|conservation=Near threatened<ref>http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/144488/0</ref>
}}
}}
The '''harpy eagle''' (''Harpia harpyja'') is a large diurnal bird native to the rain forests of Central and South America. Among the largest of [[eagle]]s, the harpy is facing a reduction in numbers due to habitat loss and perceived or imagined threats to livestock and human life.
==Description==
The harpy eagle is predominately dark grey to black above; its underside is white. The head is a lighter shade of gray, and bears a crest of feathers which it raises according to mood. The only difference between male and female is size; males are between 8-10 pounds in weight, with females nearly twice the size.
The harpy was named for the creatures of Greek mythology (''harpazein'', ἁρπάζειν, "to snatch"), said to be sharp-clawed vultures bearing the faces of women. The best-known victim of the harpies was Phineus, a blind seer who was robbed of his food by them as punishment by the gods, and who was releaved of them by Jason in his quest for the [[Golden Fleece]].
==Distribution and habitat==
The harpy is found from southern [[Mexico]], and as far south as northern [[Argentina]] and [[Paraguay]]. Their habitat is the rainforest, generally the upper area or canopy, and they stray outside of forested areas if an easy meal is available.
==Feeding==
The harpy actively takes prey roughly equivalent in weight to the bird itself; this prey is mainly tree-dwelling (sloths, monkeys, opossums), but they won't hesitate to go after prey found on the ground (small deer, coatis).
==References==
==References==