The harpy eagle may not be the world’s largest bird (that record goes to the Andean condor), but it arguably is the most powerful.
Their name comes from the half-bird, half-human Harpy from Greek mythology, which was feared for its habit of carrying people away – much like the way harpy eagles prey on tree-dwelling animals such as howler monkeys and brown-throated sloths.
- It has legs as thick as wrists and is able to rip monkeys from branches with deadly talons: Meet the world's most powerful bird
- What’s the biggest eagle in the world? Meet the contenders – including a giant with a monster 3-metre wingspan
The harpy eagle rips them from the tree branches with their large talons. However, they also prey on smaller animals such as kinkajous, opossums and even the odd snake.
- They strike with clenched talons at 200mph, crush skulls, shred prey, and can inflict deep head wounds on humans – these are the deadliest birds of prey on the planet
- Don’t think birds can look scary? Think again – these creepy birds look like they're out of a horror film
